by Ray Johnson | Jan 21, 2010 | California, Napa Valley, Sangiovese
Luna, Napa Valley, Sangiovese 2007 This is a light-bodied and fruit forward Sangiovese to tickle the heart of died in the wool New World wine drinkers. I’m a huge fan of Sangiovese but often when I introduce a classic model from Tuscany, a number of people in...
by Ray Johnson | Jan 15, 2010 | Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Sonoma County, Spanish Blend, Zinfandel
Bodega Celdran, Sonoma County, Vinto Tinto, Reserva 2004 In the nose you’ll find read fruits and cedar with a bit of the sweet tobacco of Bordeaux. In the mouth the texture is supple, the fruit is ripe and an Old World sense of leather adds complexity –...
by Ray Johnson | Jan 15, 2010 | California, Russian River Valley, Sauvignon Blanc, Sonoma County
I hope you don’t think that I’m on the payroll at Trione ’cause here is another review of a super wine. At the Chronicle judges’ dinner last week we were each given a gift-wrapped bottle of a wine to take home after dinner. That meant that...
by Ray Johnson | Jan 13, 2010 | California, Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, Syrah
Trione, Russian River Valley, River Road Ranch, Pinot Noir 2008 In the nose you’ll find sweet red fruit with pastry notes, think cherry pie, warm and aromatic. In the mouth you’ll find a supple expression of that cherry pie, absolutely luscious. The fruit...
by Ray Johnson | Jan 9, 2010 | California
This morning I visited with Henry Tennenbaum of KRON-TV 4. During our segment we sprinted through a tasting of these four Judges’ Choice Winners. My notes are just a brief snapshot from memory so pick up a bottle of each yourself and luxuriate in a slower pace...
by Ray Johnson | Jan 4, 2010 | California, Dry Creek Valley, Sauvignon Blanc, Sonoma County
Peterson, Dry Creek Valley, Timbercrest Farms, Sauvignon Blanc 2008 During my visit at Peterson earlier in 2009 I was enamored with the ’08 Sauvignon and purchased a case. In May I wrote the following post: This wine is vibrant with citrus and accentuated by...
