by Ray Johnson | Sep 29, 2009 | Bordeaux Style Blends, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Malbec, Merlot, Napa Valley, Petit Verdot, Stags Leap District
Franciscan, Napa Valley, Magnificat 2004 This wine exudes sweet ripe fruit in the nose. This profile follows through in the mouth with chalky tannins and lingering acidity. Produced and bottled in Rutherford 14.5% $50 at the winery for the latest vintage ’05...
by Ray Johnson | Sep 29, 2009 | Amador County, California, Paso Robles, Sierra Foothills, Zinfandel
Terra d’Oro, Amador County, Deaver Vineyard, Zinfandel 2006 The nose features stewed fruits, raisins, caramel and brown spices. In the mouth the wine is warm, with sweet, pruny fruit. The vines were planted in 1881. P&B Plymouth 15.5% $30 at the winery Terra...
by Ray Johnson | Sep 28, 2009 | California, Chardonnay, Napa Valley, Spring Mountain District
I’ve long been a fan of the Riesling produced by Smith-Madrone and further an ardent admirer of their willingness to stick with a grape which despite the great wines it can deliver, doesn’t bring home the biggest side of bacon in the Napa Valley. Their...
by Ray Johnson | Sep 28, 2009 | California, Clarksburg, Viognier
We visited with Joe Lange at the winery during the summer and he took us through their most state-of-the-art facility. We learned about the tremendous commitment the Lange family has made to sustainability. And on top of that, they’re making some awesome wines...
by Ray Johnson | Sep 27, 2009 | Bennett Valley, California, Chardonnay, Sonoma County
Frostwatch, Bennett Valley, Sonoma County, Chardonnay 2007 The nose is complex and toasty with a sense of hazlenuts. In the mouth the fruits are tropical, like papaya and pineapple. This is a big-bodied Chardonnay with viscosity and buttery richness, as well as...
by Ray Johnson | Sep 23, 2009 | California, Lodi, Petite Sirah
Earthquake, Lodi, Petite Sirah 2005 In the nose there’s a very ripe sense of berries in this wine, with chocolate thrown on top. In the mouth the tannins are present but tamed compared to what you might expect with Petite. There’s ample richness as well,...
