by Ray Johnson | Aug 30, 2008 | Anderson Valley, California, Chardonnay, Gewurztraminer, Hunter Valley, Lodi, Mendocino County, Mendocino Ridge, New South Wales, Pinot Meunier, Pinot Noir, Semillon, Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County, Sonoma Mountain, Sonoma Valley, Zinfandel
When Vacu-Dry ceased operations in Sebastopol, California, many bemoaned the continuing decline of the apple industry in Sonoma’s West County region. Yet from those ashes many a high-flying phoenix has taken flight. The large and rather dingy industrial complex...
by Ray Johnson | Aug 26, 2008 | California
Cascina Castle’t, Barbera d’Asti DOC 2005 Blueberries and plums in a light-bodied, high acid format. Estate bottled by Maria Borio in Costigliole d’Asti 13.5% $11.99 at Traverso’s Cascina Castlet Bruno Giacosa, Dolcetto d’Alba DOC 2007...
by Ray Johnson | Aug 21, 2008 | California, Cucamonga Valley, Lake County, Muscat, Sherry, White Dessert
Bonterra, Lake County, Bartolucci Vineyard, Muscat 2004 This wine has been well-made since the good old days when the you could taste it at the beautiful Valley Oaks facility. There are the compelling floral notes associated with Muscat plus some pastry-like...
by Ray Johnson | Aug 21, 2008 | California, Carneros, Napa Valley, Pinot Noir, Santa Barbara County, Sta. Rita Hills
Artesa, Carneros, Estate Reserve, Pinot Noir 2006 Artesa has been making some great wines and has shown greater success with their still wine program. This is a light-bodied, red fruit expression of Pinot with the warmth of alcohol. Winemaker David Dobson. P&B in...
by Ray Johnson | Aug 21, 2008 | California, Gewurztraminer, Monterey County
Thomas Fogarty, Monterey, Gewurztraminer 2003 Kudos to Fogarty for continuing to produce this wine. Earlier this summer we tasted the ’06 which was showing these youthful characteriestics: spicy floral notes, a hint of RS and the taste of fresh lychee – a...
by Ray Johnson | Aug 21, 2008 | California, Sauvignon Blanc, Sonoma County
Dry Creek Vineyard, Sonoma County, Fume Blanc 2006 This wine has been a good standard for a budget Sauvignon. There’s plenty of citrus and ample acidity making this clean and dry. Production is all stainless. 13.5% $14.50 at the winery Dry Creek Vineyard
