by Ray Johnson | Aug 11, 2009 | California
Domaine Carneros, Carneros, Brut 2005 The nose is opulently fruity with floral notes as well. In the mouth it is soft and fruity, round and very approachable – nice. The grapes are all Chardonnay and Pinot Noir and the wine was aged for 3 years en tirage....
by Ray Johnson | Aug 11, 2009 | California, Chardonnay, Mendocino County, Napa Valley, Pinot Noir, Sonoma County, Sparkling Dry
Schramsberg, North Coast, Mirabelle, Brut Rose nv There’s a red-fruited sweetness in the nose, reminiscent of the cherries jubilee that I used to whip up table side back in the day. In the mouth the fruity theme continues with moderate acidity and a touch of...
by Ray Johnson | Aug 10, 2009 | Albariño, California, Lodi
Harney Lane, Lodi Albarino 2008 This is spectacularly ripe and fresh Albarino, showing full fruit development. In the nose, the tropical notes are alight while in the mouth there is fresh citrus to complement the tropicals. In the mouth there is textbook acidity yet...
by Ray Johnson | Aug 6, 2009 | Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Napa Valley
Franciscan, Napa Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 This wine features lots of fruit overlayed with sweet vanilla. The oak adds richness. The tannins are ripe; there’s a nice long acidity as well as balance. This wine is quite approachable and ready to drink yet...
by Ray Johnson | Aug 6, 2009 | Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Merlot, Mount Veeder, Napa Valley
We had a great visit to Rubissow with our Wines of California & Europe class on the first day of August. I’ll post the notes on the estate next week but in the meantime here are two of their stars. Rubissow, Napa Valley, Mount Veeder, Rubissow Vineyard,...
by Ray Johnson | Aug 6, 2009 | Bordeaux Style Blends, California, Napa Valley, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon
Raymond Vineyards, Napa Valley, Small Lot, White Wine 2008 This wine is crisp and ripe with the flavor of limes and oranges. The grapes behind this wine are 90% Sauvignon Blanc and 10% Semillon. The Sauvignon was fermented and aged sur lie for 3 months in French and...
