by Ray Johnson | Oct 23, 2009 | California, Carneros, Pinot Noir
Saintsbury, Carneros, Pinot Noir, Garnet 2008 This has always been a light and elegant Pinot and the ’08 is on target. By light I don’t mean thin and the creaminess enhances the mouthfeel. There’s a screw cap top for added protection. Cellared and...
by Ray Johnson | Oct 23, 2009 | California, Chardonnay, Napa Valley
Chateau Montelena, Napa Valley, Chardonnay 2007 In the nose there’s a sense of brioche while the mouth sports green apple, with a patina of silkiness and very long acidity – very nice and always a personal favorite. P&B in Calistoga 13.7% $39.99...
by Ray Johnson | Oct 22, 2009 | California, Sauvignon Blanc
Pomelo, California, Sauvignon Blanc 2008 The nose sports citrus and freshly mown grass. In the mouth you’ll find lemon with a sense of both its juice and pith. The wine is soft, clean and light with a bit of petillance and moderate acidity. Produced and bottled...
by Ray Johnson | Oct 21, 2009 | Bennett Valley, California, Grenache, Sonoma County
Grey Stack, Bennett Valley, Dry Stack Vineyard, Grenache 2007 Grenache’s candy-like character comes through in the nose, sweet smelling and ebulliently fruity. In the mouth there is structure to match the fruit, a vision of Chateauneuf, where Grenache shows that...
by Ray Johnson | Oct 21, 2009 | California, Contra Costa County, Mourvedre
Cline, Contra Costa County, Ancient Vines, Mourvedre 2007 Give this some air as it is a little reductive upon first opening. In the mouth the black fruit is apparent with ample acidity and light body. P&B in Sonoma 15% $10.99 at Bottle Barn Cline Cellars Cline,...
by Ray Johnson | Oct 21, 2009 | California, Santa Barbara County, Syrah
JC Cellars, Santa Barbara County, Fess Parker’s Vineyard, Syrah 2006 This Syrah features boatloads of oak through and through. The mouthfeel is supple and the oak adds a sweet vanilla appearance, enriching the wine further. Winemaker Jeff Cohn. P&B in...
