by Ray Johnson | Jan 20, 2009 | California, Muscat, White Dessert
Quady, California, Essensia, Orange Muscat 2007 Citrus, flowers and herbal notes and a hint of the fortifying spirit mark the nose. The mouth is fresh and citrussy, sweet but not cloying with a little appropriate warmth. P&B in Madera 15% $14.99 at...
by Ray Johnson | Jan 20, 2009 | California, Chardonnay, Napa Valley
Grgich Hills, Napa Valley, Estate Grown, Chardonnay 2006 January notes: In the nose there is citrus and toasty notes. The mouth is quite crisp, as it traditionally is. In July the toasty character and nuttiness have increased, adding complexity. The mouth is...
by Ray Johnson | Jan 20, 2009 | California
There were 6 big winners, the Sweepstakes Sparkling, White, Pink, Red and Dessert. That looks like 5 but we had a tie for the red honors this year. Check out the winners and I’ll post my notes on the wines at a later date. Sweepstakes Winners
by Ray Johnson | Jan 19, 2009 | California, Chardonnay, Russian River Valley
Girard, Russian River Valley, Chardonnay 2007 The fruit for this wine is sourced from the Dutton Ranch and the Porte Cochere Vineyard. This is a rich and thick Chardonnay that carries its weight well. The acidity maintains a spring in this wine’s step while the...
by Ray Johnson | Jan 15, 2009 | California, Napa Valley, Port
Heitz Cellar, Napa Valley, Ink Grade Vineyard, Port nv Prunes mixed with chocolate and a sense of the fortifying spirit. The grapes behind this wine are the traditional Portuguese suspects of Touriga National, Sauzao, Tinta Cao, Tinta Amarells, Tinta Madeira and...
by Ray Johnson | Jan 15, 2009 | California, Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast
De La Montanya, Sonoma Coast, Flying Rooster Ranch 2005 This wine shines with sweet smells. There’s candied fruit and perfume overlayed with earthiness. The mouth features a boatload of fruit framed by ample acidity and a rising note of brett that adds...
