by Ray Johnson | Jul 14, 2008 | California, Paso Robles, Port, San Luis Obispo County, Touriga Nacional
Robert Hall, Paso Robles, Vintage Port 2005 A sumptuous berry dessert with integrated alcohol. The grapes are traditional, as in Portugal, 36% Touriga, 30% Alvarelhao, 20% Souzao and 14% Tinta Cao. Aged in barrel for 24 months. Winemaker Don Brady. P&B in Paso...				
					
			
					
				
															
					
					 by Ray Johnson | Jul 14, 2008 | Amador County, California, Contra Costa County, Sierra Foothills, Zinfandel
Neyers, Contra Costa County, Pato Vineyard, Zinfandel 2005 Stewed and raisiny fruit. P&B in St. Helena 15.6% $24.49 at Bottle Barn Neyers Z, Amador County, Massoni Ranch, Zinfandel 2005 Sweet oak multiplied by sweet fruit – plush. Z is Jeff Runquist’s...				
					
			
					
				
															
					
					 by Ray Johnson | Jul 14, 2008 | California, Pinot Noir, Santa Barbara County, Santa Maria Valley, Sta. Rita Hills
Flying Goat, Santa Maria Valley, Solomon Hills Vineyard, Pinot Noir 2005 Concentrated cherries, sweet oak in July 08. In February ’09, there’s some nice complexity as well, with the fruits stewing a bit – nice. Winemaker Norm Yost. P&B in Lompoc...				
					
			
					
				
															
					
					 by Ray Johnson | Jul 14, 2008 | California
Tablas Creek, Paso Robles, Esprit de Beaucastel Blanc 2005 There are stones and flowers to smell and a big body for this dry, warm wine. This white Rhone-style blend is composed of 70% Roussanne, 25% Grenache Blanc and 5% Picpoul Blanc. GP&B in Paso Robles 14.5%...				
					
			
					
				
															
					
					 by Ray Johnson | Jul 11, 2008 | Anderson Valley, Burgundy, California, France, Mendocino County, Monterey County, Nuits-Saint-Georges, Pinot Noir, Santa Lucia Highlands
Papapietro Perry Russian River Valley Pinot Noir 2006 intensely concentrated berry, liquer-like fruit and a little warmth. P&B in Healdsburg 14.25% $38.49 at Bottle Barn Papapietro Perry Sonnet Santa Lucia Highlands Tondre’s Grapefield Pinot Noir 2004 Smokey...				
					
			
					
				
															
					
					 by Ray Johnson | Jul 11, 2008 | Bordeaux, Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Haut-Medoc, Merlot, Napa Valley, Rutherford
Chateau Sociando-Mallet Haut-Medoc 2005 Toasty oak, ripe tannins and black fruits – delicious. 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc from vines at an average 30 years old. Mis au chateau par Jean Gautreau in St. Seurin de Cadourne 13% $54.99...