by Ray Johnson | Apr 21, 2011 | California, Carneros, Chardonnay, Sonoma County, Sonoma Valley
Viansa, Carneros – Sonoma Valley, Reserve, Chardonnay 2009 This is a rich style of Chardonnay, with the smell of apple pie – think of the freshly baked crust sprinkled with brown spices. In the mouth the theme of richness continues with butter and oaky...
by Ray Johnson | Apr 16, 2011 | Alexander Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Pinot Noir, Santa Barbara County, Santa Maria Valley, Sonoma County
We had an opportunity to take a deeper look at the wines of Silver Oak and Twomey in Oakville today. Below are notes on two of my favorites. Silver Oak, Alexander Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 The nose speaks of Cassis, vanilla, lots of caramel – a strong...
by Ray Johnson | Mar 26, 2011 | Bordeaux, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Merlot, Mudgee, New South Wales
This tour starts in California, moves to Bordeaux and finishes down under, featuring Merlot and both Cabernets. Redwood Creek, California, Merlot 2009 This is an easy-drinking quaffer, quite light, fruity and hinting at a bit of structure. Winemaker Cal Dennison....
by Ray Johnson | Mar 19, 2011 | California, Paso Robles, Rosé, Syrah
Robert Hall, Paso Robles, Hall Ranch, Rose de Robles 2010 Don Brady truly captures the essence of fresh red fruit in the nose of this wine – very fresh. In the mouth you’ll find the body of rose from the Rhone coupled with fresh strawberries and moderate...
by Ray Johnson | Mar 19, 2011 | Amador County, Barbera, California, Carignane, Grenache, Priorat, Sangiovese, Spain
Noceto, Amador County, Sangiovese 2008 The nose features fresh cherries and the sweet complexity of chery pie. In the mouth it is light-bodied and acidic with a little bit of grip. Produced and bottled by Suzy and Jim Gullett 14.2% purchased for $13.69 at Bottle Barn...
by Ray Johnson | Mar 10, 2011 | Alexander Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Sonoma County
Reynoso Family Vineyards, Alexander Valley, Estate Grown, Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 This is another immediately accessible Cabernet from the Reynoso family. They get texture right in the expression of suppleness that is at the same time balanced by the wine’s...
