by Ray Johnson | Apr 17, 2009 | California, Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County
Flowers, Sonoma Coast, Pinot Noir 2007 The cherries combine with forest floor and a touch of rubber in the nose. In the mouth, the cherries are enhanced by the acidity but there is also an uncharacteristic sense of astringency. P&B in Cazadero 13.4% $51.99 at...
by Ray Johnson | Apr 17, 2009 | California, Chardonnay, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County
Patz & Hall, Russian River Valley, Dutton Ranch, Chardonnay 2006 The nose speaks buttery richness from the get go, with toastiness and apples. The mouth is full-on thick with butter yet balanced by acidity – very concentrated. Proprietors Donald &...
by Ray Johnson | Apr 17, 2009 | California, Russian River Valley, Sauvignon Blanc, Sonoma County
Hanna, Russian River Valley, Estate Grown, Sauvignon Blanc 2008 Notes back through the 2004 vintage show a consistent thread of bright citrus and high acidity. The ’08 repeats that scenario with tropical notes as well. Give it a bit of air upon opening to blow...
by Ray Johnson | Apr 15, 2009 | Anderson Valley, California, Gewurztraminer, Mendocino County
Navarro, Anderson Valley, Estate Bottled, Dry, Gewurztraminer 2007 Another long-time favorite from Navarro that captures the smell of Gewurz without the sweetness. In the nose it is like roses and baby powder while the mouth is fuller-bodied than you find in the...
by Ray Johnson | Apr 15, 2009 | Anderson Valley, California, Mendocino County, Muscat
Navarro Vineyards, Anderson Valley, Estate Bottled, Dry Muscat 2007 This wine has consistently dazzled with the ebulent smell of Muscat in a dry format. The ’07 is spot-on again with loads of orange blossom in the nose. In the mouth there’s a sense of...
by Ray Johnson | Apr 15, 2009 | California, Dolcetto, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County
Acorn, Russian River Valley, Alegria Vineyards, Dolcetto 2006 There’s a great complexity of smells working in the nose, including fresh and stewed fruits, green herbs and eucalyptus as well as a sense of oakiness. In the mouth, Bill has worked the tannin into...
