by Ray Johnson | Nov 3, 2009 | Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Merlot, Napa Valley
Robert Sinskey Vineyards, Napa Valley, POV, Red Wine 2006 This wine features a bevy of fresh blueberries and a complementary dusting of oak; it’s light-bodied with ripe tannins and a healthy acidity to encourage consumtion with a roasted pork tenderloin, sauced...
by Ray Johnson | Nov 1, 2009 | Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Chardonnay, Napa Valley, Sangiovese, Sauvignon Blanc, St. Helena, Zinfandel
Appellation St. Helena hosted a tasting on Tuesday to show off the wines of the AVA. We discussed the recent vintages and tasted 48 wines, with a strong emphasis on Cabernet Sauvignon. Below is a baker’s dozen, the stars of the tasting – great Cabernet but...
by Ray Johnson | Oct 31, 2009 | Bordeaux Style Blends, Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Napa Valley, Oakville
Shelter, Napa Valley, The Butcher, Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 The nose features vibrant black currants with notes of tobacco and the cigar box. In the mouth there is nice density, the acidity shines and the tannins are very ripe. This is an elegant Cabernet, with...
by Ray Johnson | Oct 30, 2009 | California, Late Harvest White, Muscat, Napa Valley, White Dessert
Robert Mondavi, Napa Valley, Moscato d’Oro 2007 In the nose you’ll find a light waft of the orange blossoms we associate with Muscat. In the mouth the wine is clean and fruity, a light expression of Muscat as dessert, fresh and well-suited for fresh fruit...
by Ray Johnson | Oct 30, 2009 | Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Diamond Mountain District, Napa Valley
Stonegate, Diamond Mountain District, Napa Valley, Spaulding Vineyard, Reserve, Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 This wine delivers chocolate wrapped in black fruits with a healthy dusting of oak on a big structure. The acidity carries the flavors a long way and while this...
by Ray Johnson | Oct 30, 2009 | California, Napa Valley, Zinfandel
Howell Mountain Vineyards, Napa Valley, Bear & Lion, Old Vine, Zinfandel 2006 The fruit in the nose has a very fresh grape juice quality with a note of blackberry liqueur. In the mouth the wine is jammy, soft and light with warmth underneath. Cellared and bottled...
