by Ray Johnson | Sep 20, 2008 | California, Dry Creek Valley, Sauvignon Blanc, Sonoma County
Dutcher Crossing, Dry Creek Valley, Sauvignon Blanc 2007 This Sauvignon smells of sweet and ripe tropical fruit. The fresh fruit continues on the palate where there is a softer, rounder feel than with many Sauvignon. Don’t get me wrong, I love an in-your-face,...
by Ray Johnson | Sep 18, 2008 | California, Dry Creek Valley, Merlot, Sonoma County
Downtown Healdsburg has become a destination for luxurious wine and food experiences. One of the venues in which to indulge, just off the square, is the tasting room of Williamson Wines. The beauty of the tasting that Bill and Dawn Williamson organize is the emphasis...
by Ray Johnson | Sep 15, 2008 | California, Chenin Blanc, Dry Creek Valley, Italy, Sauvignon Blanc, Sonoma County
Leo Steen Dry Creek Valley Saini Farms Chenin Blanc 2007 This wine was excellent in ’06 and even better this time around. There is the mineral nerve that we associate with Savennieres and the ripeness of fruit that we associate with California sunshine. You...
by Ray Johnson | Sep 12, 2008 | California, Chardonnay, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County
Dutton Estate Every Friday through the end of September and most of October, Cynthia Newcomb at the Dutton Estate is creating a special dish to pair with one of the wines on offer in the tasting room. When I visited recently, she dazzled the guests with a Grilled...
by Ray Johnson | Sep 11, 2008 | California, Chardonnay, Monterey County
Hahn, Monterey, Chardonnay 2006 The smell of fresh oak is alive in the glass with some tropical fruit in the background. There’s oak to chew on in your mouth along with the flavors of butterscotch and caramel and a viscous impression that is supported by some...
by Ray Johnson | Sep 10, 2008 | California, Collioure, France, Roussillon
Domaine La Tour Vieille, Collioure, La Pinède 2004 This wine showcases cooked fruit, pastry notes and a bit of cheese on top of a tannic backbone. The wine is a blend of Grenache, Syrah and Carignane. Mis par Vincent cantie et Christine Campadieu a Collioure. 14.5%...
