by Ray Johnson | Apr 29, 2009 | California, Grenache, Paso Robles, Rosé, Temecula
South Coast, California, Grenache, Rose 2007 In the nose there is candy, flowers and the smell something citrus. The mouth is plump and amplified by a about 1% RS. This took the sweepstake award for pink wine at the Chronicle Wine Competition in January. Nice wine....
by Ray Johnson | Apr 29, 2009 | California, Carignane, Mendocino County, Rosé
Carol Shelton, Mendocino County, Rendezvous Rose 2007 This wine is redolent of strawberries – just bountiful! In the mouth this rose is truly dry yet with plenty of fruit it comes across as quite concentrated. I bought a 6 pack of this a few months ago and I...
by Ray Johnson | Apr 29, 2009 | California, Mendocino County, Viognier
Copain, Mendocino County, ‘Tous Ensemble’, Viognier 2007 It’s a pleasure to find a tasty Viognier under 14% and this one delivers with the classic peaches and flowers – fresh and delicious. P&B in Healdsburg 13.7% $17.99 at Traverso’s Copain...
by Ray Johnson | Apr 28, 2009 | California, Gewurztraminer, Sonoma County
Hibou de Nuit, Sonoma County, Gewurztraminer 2006 The nose features a vibrant combo of floral and tropical notes, including pineapple and candied banana. In the mouth this Gewurz is quite dense with a streak of acidity to keep it fresh. It’s like a look toward...
by Ray Johnson | Apr 28, 2009 | Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Valley
Canzona Vineyards, Sonoma Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 There are sweet smells of caramel and vanilla, bright cherry fruit, cassis and a hint of cigar box. The mouthfeel is supple. Certainly the structure of Cabernet is there to experience, but the tannins are ripe...
by Ray Johnson | Apr 28, 2009 | California, Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County
I had an opportunity to visit with Paul and Kathryn Sloan of Small Vines Wines on Sunday, during their open house at the winery in Santa Rosa. We retasted the ’06 Russian River and ’06 Sonoma Coast which I reviewed back in the fall of ’08. These two...
