by Ray Johnson | Sep 23, 2009 | California, Monterey County, Riesling
J. Lohr Estates, Monterey County, Bay Mist, White Riesling 2007 The nose features minerality and a little petrol. Over the years this wine has been spot-on with light RS and balancing acidity. 100% Riesling with some botrytis, all stainless, and 21.9 g/l RS, P&B...
by Ray Johnson | Sep 23, 2009 | California, Chardonnay, Napa Valley
Merryvale, Napa Valley, Starmont, Chardonnay 2007 There’s plenty of oaky richness in the nose while the mouth adds the richness of butter and viscosity while at the same time maintaining a refreshing apple character – nice. P&B in Napa 13.5% $11.79 at...
by Ray Johnson | Sep 23, 2009 | California, Sauvignon Blanc, Sonoma County
Sauvignon Republic, Russian River Valley, Sauvignon Blanc 2008 This has been a consistent winner and the current vintage features freshly mown grass and citrus. In the mouth there’s a zippy thread of acidity and the taste of fresh oranges – yum. The wine...
by Ray Johnson | Sep 22, 2009 | Arroyo Grande Valley, California, Late harvest red, Zinfandel
Saucelito Canyon, Arroyo Grande Valley, Late Harvest, Zinfandel 2006 This wine is evolving prematurely, showing the uptake of oxygen in the nose. In the mouth, the sweet berries are still delicious. RS is 11%. GP&B in Arroyo Grande 15.6% $25 at th winery for a...
by Ray Johnson | Sep 22, 2009 | Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Napa Valley, Spring Mountain District
Terra Valentine, Napa Valley, Spring Mountain District, Yverdon Vineyard, Estate, Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 This dense wine sports cedar in the nose, as well as black fruits and cigar box. In the mouth it is quite dense and structured, built to age, full of fruit and...
by Ray Johnson | Sep 22, 2009 | Amador County, Barbera, California, Sierra Foothills
Macchia, Amador County, Cooper Ranch, Infamous, Barbera 2006 There are aspects to the nose that remind me of berry pie, with ripe berry fruit, sweetness and pastry dough. In the mouth, the acidity is alight, coupled with the richness of oak, filling out the wine....
