by Ray Johnson | May 1, 2009 | California, Dry Creek Valley, Late harvest red, Sonoma County, Zinfandel
Dashe, Dry Creek Valley, Late Harvest Zinfandel 2007 Candied berries in a glass, leaping out to greet your nose! The mouth repeats this theme in a very luscious, super-fruity way – brilliant. The grapes measured 40 degrees brix at harvest and the final wine has...
by Ray Johnson | May 1, 2009 | Alexander Valley, Bordeaux Style Blends, Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Merlot, Sonoma County
Trione, Alexander Valley, Geyserville Ranch, Red Wine 2005 In the nose there is cassis and tobacco, a blend of California and Bordeaux. In the mouth, there is the taste of dark chocolate and berries and a fully-structured palate – just a baby. The grapes behind...
by Ray Johnson | May 1, 2009 | California, Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County, Zinfandel
Amphora, Dry Creek Valley, Zinfandel 2006 There’s a healthy dose of black pepper in the nose along with jammy fruit. This Zin is very polished in the mouth, very dense and full of fruit. P&B by Hutchinson Wines in Healdsburg 15.4% $26 at the winery Amphora...
by Ray Johnson | May 1, 2009 | Alexander Valley, California, Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County, Syrah
Bella, Alexander Valley, Big River Ranch, Syrah 2005 There’s jammy black fruit in the nose and a little bit of tar and reductive character when first open. In the mouth, the wine is chewy and oaky with a bit of bitterness. P&B in Healdsburg 14.9% $40 at the...
by Ray Johnson | May 1, 2009 | California, Dry Creek Valley, Grenache, Mourvedre, Rosé, Sonoma County
Quivira, Dry Creek Valley Wine Creek Ranch, Grenache, Rose 2008 In the nose the fruit is ever so fresh, featuring citrus and strawberries. In the mouth there’s plenty of acidity, a little phenolic grip and a sense of the alcohol in the background. The grapes...
by Ray Johnson | Apr 29, 2009 | California, Syrah
JC Cellars, California Cuvee, Syrah 2006 This is an inky Syrah to look at. The nose features sweet black fruits and berry pie. The mouth is a rich expression of Syrah, with sweet-appearing fruit and ripe tannins. Winemaker Jeff Cohn. P&B in Oakland 15.0% $40 at...
