by Ray Johnson | Aug 4, 2009 | California, Grenache, Paso Robles, Rosé, Syrah
Robert Hall, Paso Robles, Hall Ranch, Rose de Robles 2008 Strawberries and floral notes are the predominant features in the nose – very clean and fresh. In the mouth the fruit shines again in a very dry format with a lingering touch of creaminess. Hand harvested...
by Ray Johnson | Aug 4, 2009 | California, Fortified dessert, Madera, Port, Tempranillo
Quady Winery, California, Starboard Batch 88 The nose features caramel, nuts and spirits, like a nutty liqueur. In the mouth the nutty theme continues, with appropriate warmth for a Port-style wine and a sense of brown-sugar dusted raisins. The grape behind this wine...
by Ray Johnson | Aug 4, 2009 | California, Fiddletown, Late harvest red, Sierra Foothills, Zinfandel
Easton, Fiddletown, Rinaldi Vineyard, Late Harvest, Zinfandel 2006 In the nose you’ll find baked red and black fruits. In the mouth the fruit really comes alive. There’s a gripping astringency on the palate and a conservative amount of residual sugar, just...
by Ray Johnson | Aug 4, 2009 | Aperitif, California, Vermouth
Quady, California, Vya, Sweet Vermouth nv What makes this aperitif so exciting is that it is impossible to stop adding descriptors if you start – so I won’t – just buy a bottle, chill it well and serve it over a few ice cubes. Try it first, before...
by Ray Johnson | Aug 4, 2009 | California, Carneros, Napa Valley, Pinot Noir
Robert Sinskey, Los Carneros, Napa Valley, Pinot Noir 2007 The nose sports fresh berry fruit and sweet vanilla. In the mouth it is pure elegance, light and fresh. All byodynamically grown grapes in this Pinot. GP&B in Napa 13.6% Sinskey
by Ray Johnson | Aug 3, 2009 | California, Contra Costa County, Late harvest red, Mourvedre
Cline, Contra Costa County, Late Harvest, Mourvedre 2005 This wine exudes sweet berry jam with a healthy dose of oaky richness. It has been a perennial hit at our events and quite lovely with dark chocolate. The fruit is sourced from the family’s Big Break...
