by Ray Johnson | Dec 10, 2008 | California, Dry Creek Valley, Santa Barbara County, Santa Ynez Valley, Sonoma County, Viognier
This flight provides an interesting contrast in California Viognier. Both are well-made but different animals entirely. The Preston is lighter, fresher, with aromatics that might remind one of a dry California Gewurztraminer. The Cold Heaven is rich, thick and...
by Ray Johnson | Dec 10, 2008 | California, Napa Valley, Sauvignon Blanc
Duckhorn Vineyards, Napa Valley, Sauvignon Blanc 2007 Ripe citrus and floral notes dazzle your nose when you smell this wine. In the mouth, it is round and softer than many SBs, with ripeness of fruit and a little warmth. When we visited the winery in the summer, Matt...
by Ray Johnson | Dec 5, 2008 | Anderson Valley, California, Mendocino County, Pinot Noir
Woodenhead, Anderson Valley, Pinot Noir 2003 The wine has developed volatility which shows in both the smell and on the palate yet the fruit is still quite vibrant across the tongue. P&B in Forestville 14.5% estimated price of $40 at the winery...
by Ray Johnson | Dec 5, 2008 | Anderson Valley, California, Mendocino County, Pinot Noir
Toulouse, Anderson Valley, Pinot Noir 2006 Smoky and spiritous in the nose and warm and gripping in the mouth. The wine was aged for 12 months in French oak. P&B in Philo 14.5% $39 at the winery Toulouse Vineyards
by Ray Johnson | Nov 26, 2008 | California, Carneros, Chardonnay, Napa Valley
Bouchaine, Napa Valley – Carneros, Estate, Chardonnay 2006 The nose combines freshly split oak, vanilla, toast and stone fruits. The mouth is full-on richness with oak essence and butter layered over peaches and green apples – very nice. The wine received...
by Ray Johnson | Nov 21, 2008 | California, Carneros, Pinot Noir
Buena Vista, Carneros, Pinot Noir 2005 There is warm, sweet, stewed fruit with brown spices in the nose. The mouth is oaky, soft in texture with acidity to frame it yet it’s warm and the fruit is receding. The fruit is sourced from the winery’s Ramal Vineyard....
