by Ray Johnson | Oct 19, 2009 | California, Monterey County, Sauvignon Blanc
Scheid Vineyards, Monterey, Estate Grown, Sauvignon Blanc 2007 This wine features a nice burst of grapefruit, moderate concentration and a little warmth. 90% of the wine was produced in stainless while the remaining 10% was aged in three year-old French oak barrels....
by Ray Johnson | Oct 18, 2009 | Bennett Valley, California, Sonoma County, Syrah
Grey Stack, Bennett Valley, Dry Stack Vineyard, Marie’s Block, Syrah 2007 This Syrah brings a sense of the northern Rhone to Sonoma County. There’s tar on top of the black fruit in the nose, with meatiness and a floral component like lavender. In the mouth...
by Ray Johnson | Oct 18, 2009 | California, Chardonnay, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County
Tandem, Russian River Valley, Porter-Bass Vineyard, Chardonnay 2005 With 4 years since the harvest this wine is developing some nice complexity. The nose sports wet stones, toastiness, tropical fruits, hay and lanolin. In the mouth there is a richness of texture, an...
by Ray Johnson | Oct 18, 2009 | California, Chardonnay, Fortified dessert, Port, White Dessert
This summer we met with proprietor Peter Prager at the family winery in St. Helena. If you haven’t been there you must stop by for a visit if you’re a fan of the wines of the Douro. The Pragers have specialized in Port since they started the winery in...
by Ray Johnson | Oct 17, 2009 | California, Lodi, Petite Sirah
We met with Greg Burns and his gracious mom this summer, during a visit to Lodi with our class from the SRJC. We tasted through the wines and learned about their long history of growing grapes in the region. Some of the vines look absolutely ancient. A particular...
by Ray Johnson | Oct 17, 2009 | California, Chenin Blanc, Mendocino County
Navarro, Mendocino, Chenin Blanc 2008 This dry, high acid Chenin is bursting with the taste of green apples and lime – very nice. Tasting a second bottle in December I have to reiterate the refreshing, tangy character of this wine, long lasting and delicious. As...
