by Ray Johnson | Oct 6, 2009 | Amador County, California, Fortified dessert, Port, Sierra Foothills
St. Amant Winery, Amador County, Vintage Port 2006 This is well-done California vintage style of port with plenty of black fruit, thickness of texture and a spiritous undertone. The wine is dedicated to founder Tim Spencer who died in 2006. P&B in Woodbridge 18.5%...
by Ray Johnson | Oct 5, 2009 | California, Chalk Hill, Chardonnay, Sonoma County
Chalk Hill Winery, Chalk Hill, Sonoma County, Estate Bottled, Chardonnay 2000 This is a toasty Chardonnay, with the oakiness enhanced by the nuttiness of time. In the mouth there is the full-on richness and thickness that is the house style yet the acidity is spot-on,...
by Ray Johnson | Oct 3, 2009 | Bennett Valley, California, Merlot, Sonoma County
Frostwatch, Bennett Valley, Sonoma County, Merlot 2006 Sweet toasty oak complements the plummy fruit in the nose. In the mouth this wine delivers ripe Merlot, with the tannins fully developed, a warm and plush texture and a toasty oak accent in the background. The...
by Ray Johnson | Oct 1, 2009 | Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Napa Valley
The identity of some wineries can be expressed in a single word. For Spottswoode, that word is elegance. The theme of elegance resonates through the manicured landscape, the persona of its team and the wine in the bottle. We visited with the family and the winemakers...
by Ray Johnson | Sep 30, 2009 | Anderson Valley, California, Gewurztraminer, Mendocino County
Husch, Anderson Valley, Gewurztraminer 2007 This Gewurz has a lot of sweet perfume in the nose. In the mouth, it’s fresh, tasting of lychee with just a bit of RS at .8% – nice. GP&B in Philo 13.9% $9.99 at Bottle Barn Husch
by Ray Johnson | Sep 30, 2009 | California, Pinot Gris and Grigio
McManis Family Vineyards, California, Pinot Grigio 2008 This is a fruit-driven Pinot Grigio with a little pettilance, plenty of tangy citrus flavor and a roundness in the mouth – a delicious value. Most of the fruit was sourced from the winery’s River...
