by Ray Johnson | Nov 13, 2009 | California, Napa Valley, Sauvignon Blanc
Napa Cellars, Napa Valley, Sauvignon Blanc 2007 This Sauvignon is clean, moderately concentrated, laser-like with acidity and has a touch of creaminess. 5% of the grapes are Semillon and the fruit was sourced from Calistoga, St. Helena and Rutherford. Malolactic was...
by Ray Johnson | Nov 12, 2009 | Bordeaux Style Blends, Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Napa Valley
Merryvale, Napa Valley, Profile 2006 The nose features sweet new oak, bay leaves, fresh cherries and cherry pie. In the mouth the wine is dense and tightly wound – just packed with flavor. There’s lots of cherry fruit accented by vanilla and ripe tannins....
by Ray Johnson | Nov 11, 2009 | California, Dry Creek Valley, Sauvignon Blanc, Sonoma County
Dry Creek Vineyard, Sonoma County, Fume Blanc 2008 This Sauvignon is light and steely, smelling of freshly cut oranges and crisp with acidity. It is a regular favorite, garnering awards annually at the Sonoma County Harvest Fair. Production is all stainless. 13.5%...
by Ray Johnson | Nov 10, 2009 | California, Sauvignon Blanc, Sonoma County
Matanzas Creek, Sonoma County, Sauvignon Blanc 2007 In the nose you’ll find citrus, lemon, lemon zest and green herbs. In the mouth the citrus comes through, with a commensurate dose of acidity, as well as a roundness and depth of flavor – nice. 21% of the...
by Ray Johnson | Nov 8, 2009 | California, Chardonnay
Sutter Home, California, Chardonnay 2006 The nose features oak, butter and tropical fruit. In the mouth the concentration is low yet the wine is clean. There’s a little residual sugar to amplify the fruit and a buttery quality that is quite popular. I realize...
by Ray Johnson | Nov 7, 2009 | California, Central Coast, Lagrein
Praxis, Central Coast, Lagrein 2007 My hat is off to Praxis for making wine from this grape, so celebrated in the Alto Adige yet almost unknown in California. The New and Old Worlds come together in the glass with ripe cherry fruit, a dusting of vanilla, a little...
