by Ray Johnson | Jul 21, 2009 | California, Merlot, Napa Valley, Spring Mountain District
Paloma, Napa Valley, Spring Mountain District, Merlot 2006 Sweet liquer-like fruit fills the glass. In the mouth, the expression of fruit is dynamic and kissed by oak. Also, there is the acidity lacking in many of Merlot’s flabby cousins – a treat....
by Ray Johnson | Jul 21, 2009 | California, Carneros, Pinot Noir
Ancien, Carneros, Toyon Farm, Pinot Noir 2006 The nose features red fruits, smokiness and charred wood. In the mouth, the cherries and strawberries sing and are accompanied by an oaky sweetness and creamy texture. Winemakers Ken and Teresa Bernards, Bot. in Napa...
by Ray Johnson | Jul 21, 2009 | California, Riesling, Santa Barbara County
Rancho Sisquoc, Santa Barbara County, Riesling 2007 The fruit in the nose has a candied character and a bit of petrol has developed. In the mouth is the perfect ratio of sweet to tart, residual sugar balancing acidity – very nice and a value. GP&B out on...
by Ray Johnson | Jul 21, 2009 | California, Napa Valley, Sauvignon Blanc
Duckhorn Vineyards, Napa Valley, Sauvignon Blanc 2008 Bright citrus marks the nose and repeats in the mouth. There’s plenty of the acidity that you would expect as well as a richness as in the previous vintage, owing to some barrel fermentation, Semillon and a...
by Ray Johnson | Jul 20, 2009 | California, Chenin Blanc, Dry Creek Valley
Leo Steen, Dry Creek Valley, Saini Farms, Chenin Blanc 2008 Fresh limes and perfume greet you when you lift the glass. This is poignantly refreshing with loads of acidity yet filled out across the palate, lighting every available taste bud. This wine has been...
by Ray Johnson | Jul 18, 2009 | California, Contra Costa County, Zinfandel
Rosenblum Cellars, Contra Costa County, Planchon Vineyard, Zinfandel 2006 The smell is of candy and warmth, warm compote waiting on the sideboard. In the mouth, this is a very supple Zin, with ripe tannins and a bit of liquer-like character. The vines that gave us the...
