by Ray Johnson | Mar 28, 2013 | Albariño, Alsace, Alto Adige, Andalucia, Barbera, Barbera d'Asti, Barolo, Bordeaux, California, Chardonnay, Cinsault, Dealcoholized, Fortified dessert, France, Gewurztraminer, Graves, Italy, Jerez, Madeira, Malmsey, Malvasia, Marlborough, Merlot, Napa County, Napa Valley, Nebbiolo, New Zealand, Palomino, Pessac-Leognan, Piemonte, Pinot Noir, Port, Portugal, Provence, Rosé, Russian River Valley, Sancerre, Sauternes, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Sherry, Sonoma County, South Africa, Spain, Tawny Port, Var, Vinho Verde, Western Cape
Staying ahead of flaws in the cellar and quantifying perceptual differences and consumer preferences are critical to a winery’s bottom line. Following our return from New Zealand, Sonoma State’s Wine Business Institute will partner with VESTA to again offer this...
by Ray Johnson | Nov 17, 2012 | California, Carneros, Chardonnay
Reata, Carneros, Chardonnay 2010 The nose features freshly baked biscuits dabbed in butter topped with peaches – you get a sense of the fruit accentuated by the winemakers touch. In the mouth the texture is luscious, buttery with the freshness of stone fruit...
by Ray Johnson | Jul 7, 2012 | Champagne, Chardonnay, France, Pinot Noir, Sparkling Dry
Bollinger, Champagne, La Grande Annee, Brut 2000 The nose is nutty, featuring dried fruits, oranges with brown spices and a note of mushrooms sauteed in butter. In the mouth this vintage is elegant, with subtle orange and apple flavors, and long, lingering acidity....
by Ray Johnson | Jul 7, 2012 | Champagne, Chardonnay, France, Pinot Noir, Sparkling Dry
During a trip to Italy and Slovenia we had the opportunity to sample a number of delicious wines while in the care of BA. First up was a tasting of 2 bubblies in the lounge at Heathrow. Pol Roger, Champagne, Extra Cuvee de Reserve 1999 In the nose this Champagne is...
by Ray Johnson | May 28, 2012 | California, Chardonnay, Mendocino County
Bonterra, Mendocino County, Chardonnay 2010 The nose features fresh stones fruits and a splash of new oak. In the mouth the fruit expression is quite lively, citrus, apricots, peaches and the freshness of summer sunshine. Besides the Chardonnay, the grapes behind...
by Ray Johnson | May 8, 2012 | California, Chardonnay, Lake County, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc
Shannon Ridge, Lake County, Sauvignon Blanc 2010 Citrus is the theme throughout the nose and on the palate, crisp and refreshing. Fermented in stainless and bottled under a screwcap closure. Vinted and bottled in Geyserville 13.5% and available for $26 at the Blue...
