by Ray Johnson | Apr 4, 2008 | Albariño, California, Carneros, Napa Valley
Havens Napa Valley Carneros Albarino 2006 This wines has been a spot-on fresh example of Albarino; I only wish it was more widely available. P&B in Napa 12.5% $19.49 at Bottle Barn Havens
by Ray Johnson | Mar 21, 2008 | California, Carneros, Chardonnay, Monterey County, Riesling, Russian River Valley, Sauvignon Blanc
Tasting through this flight of 3 can give you a sense of your favorite style of white wine. Perhaps you love the full on acidity of the Hanna, prefer the richness of the Benziger or find the light sweetness of the Lohr most appealing. Like me, you may enjoy them all,...
by Ray Johnson | Dec 12, 2007 | California, Carneros, Pinot Noir
Robert Stemmler Carneros Vin Gris Pinot Noir Rose 2006 As the winter comes on strong we might be inclined to skip the pink wine. Yet this wine can stand in well where you would normally think of serving a crisp white wine. P&B in Santa Rosa 14% $22 at the Wine...
by Ray Johnson | Oct 19, 2007 | California, Carneros, Merlot, Napa Valley, Santa Barbara County, Santa Maria Valley
J. Wilkes Santa Barbara County Bien Nacido Vyds Pinot Blanc 2005 Clean, lime and candy like a Riesling, quite dry with perhaps a bit of warmth which disappearred with chilling, long flavor of lime Bot. in Sant Maria 14.1% $20 at the Wine Emporium. Ancien Carneros...
by Ray Johnson | Oct 11, 2007 | Alexander Valley, Bennett Valley, Bordeaux, Bordeaux Style Blends, Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Carneros, France, Malbec, Margaux, Merlot, Sonoma County, Sonoma Valley
Nelson Estate Sonoma Valley Bennett Valley Vineyard Malbec 2004 The nose is oak city and the palate is very supple with moderate acidity and a long finish. I think that many will find this wine agreeable and readily approachable. Aged in Fr oak for 18 mos. C&B in...
by Ray Johnson | Oct 11, 2007 | Alexander Valley, Burgundy, Carneros, Chardonnay, Chassagne-Montrachet, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County
This flight features 2 Best of Class Winners in the Fair. The first is the BOC Chardonnay under $20, which came up through our panel of judges. The third wine is the BOC Chardonnay above $20 that went on to take the sweeps. In between is a star from Burgundy for...