by Ray Johnson | Oct 18, 2008 | Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Sangiovese, Sonoma County, Super Tuscan
Ramazzotti, Sonoma County, Raffinto, Red Wine 2005 This smells like a walk in the oak forest where some of the trees have been freshly felled – an intertwining of oak and earth. The mouth is vivaciously fruity with the oak to match and a smooth texture. This...
by Ray Johnson | Oct 18, 2008 | California, Dry Creek Valley, Pinot Noir, Sangiovese, Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County, Zinfandel
Taft Street, Sonoma Coast, Rose of Pinot Noir 2007 Mild but muted strawberries and an astringent profile. Unfortunately this wine has a sub-threshold level of TCA that’s blocking the fruit. The grapes come from the Pasta King, Art Ibletto. P&B in Sebastopol...
by Ray Johnson | Oct 18, 2008 | California, Chardonnay, Dry Creek Valley, Pinot Gris and Grigio, Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County
Clarbec, Sonoma County, Pinot Gris 2007 There’s fresh tropical fruit and subtle oak in the nose. The fruit comes through in the mouth with a caress of acidity and a little bit of richness – very nice. The grapes were sourced from the Lila Lane and Clarbec...
by Ray Johnson | Oct 18, 2008 | California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Valley, Sparkling Dry
Mayo Family Winery, Sonoma Valley, Laurel Hill Vineyard, Methode Champenoise, Brut 2003 There’s plenty of green apple and tart cherry as well as a little toastiness. P&B in Lower Lake 12.5% $27.99 at Bottle Barn Mayo
by Ray Johnson | Oct 17, 2008 | California
Bogle Vineyards, Clarksburg, Limited Release, Petite Sirah, Port 2005 The smell is of prunes and liqueur-like fruit. The 9% Residual sugar rounds out the palate with a bit of overt alcohol but that’s appropriate for a port-style of wine. The sweet black fruits...
by Ray Johnson | Oct 17, 2008 | California
Selvapiana, Chianti Rufina DOC 2006 There is an appropriate sense of earthiness in the nose along with dried cherries. In the mouth the acidity is electric, a corresponding amount of tannin as well as tart cherries. Estate bottled in Rufina 13.5% $19.99 at...
