by Ray Johnson | Jul 21, 2008 | California, Chardonnay, Napa Valley, Sauvignon Blanc
Here are two wines from the Napa Valley that have a common thread of acidity and a shared and fabled character, who stunned the world at the Judgement of Paris. Grgich Hills, Napa Valley, Estate Grown, Fume Blanc 2006 The profile is acidic with a subtle grassiness, a...
by Ray Johnson | Jul 17, 2008 | Amador County, California, Mendocino County, Zinfandel
Navarro, Mendocino, Zinfandel 2006 Jim Klein is well-know for his work with white varieties but don’t forget his Zins. There’s pure berry fruit in a light-bodied framework. P&B in Philo 14.6% $21 at the winery Navarro Joel Gott, Amador County, Dillian...
by Ray Johnson | Jul 17, 2008 | California, Chianti Classico, Montalcino, Napa Valley, Sangiovese, Super Tuscan, Tuscany
Rocca di Montegrossi, Chianti Classico DOCG, 2004 Screaming acidity and light body. 90% Sangiovese and 10% Canaiolo, aged in French oak for 12 months. Estate bottled in Gaiole 13.5% $22.99 at Traverso’s Valdicava, Rosso di Montalcino DOC 2003 Appropriate...
by Ray Johnson | Jul 16, 2008 | California, Champagne, Chardonnay, France, Moscato d'Asti, Piemonte, Pinot Noir, Sparkling Dry, Sparkling sweet
La Morandina, Moscato d’Asti DOCG 2007 The ’07 is just as vibrantly fresh and full of orange blossoms as the previous vintage. There’s lots of residual sugar and the light body and freshness that you expect in Moscato d’Asti. P&B in...
by Ray Johnson | Jul 16, 2008 | Anderson Valley, Blanc de Noirs, California, Chardonnay, Mendocino County, Pinot Noir, Rosé, Sparkling Dry
This flight shows a nice contrast in approach to the making of pink sparkling in California. The Roederer embraces a high acid framework that is very crisp while the Mumm goes for a softer approach with a more visible hint of RS in the background. Different animals...
by Ray Johnson | Jul 15, 2008 | California, Carignane, Chateauneuf-du-Pape, France, Grenache, Mendocino County, Mourvedre, Napa Valley, Oak Knoll District, Rhône, Rhone Blend, Santa Barbara County, Syrah
Monticello, Napa Valley, Oak Knoll District, Estate Grown, Syrah 2005 Lush and graced by black fruits and a bit of black pepper. P&B in Napa 14.5% $ at the winery Monticello Trinafour, Mendocino County, Niemi Vineyard, Carignane 2006 There’s ample acidity to...
