by Ray Johnson | Oct 11, 2009 | California, Carneros, Chardonnay
Robledo, Los Carneros, Rancho Maria, Chardonnay 2007 This is the rich expression of California Chardonnay yet with a sense of balancing acidity. All of the bells and whistles seems to have been brought to the game, producing buttery flavors and doughy, pastry-like...
by Ray Johnson | Oct 10, 2009 | California, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Sonoma County, Sparkling Dry
Gloria Ferrer, Sonoma County, Brut nv The nose is ripe with apples which carries through on the palate. There’s a healthy dosage that combines with the fruit to create a sweeter sensation than you’ll see with some of the other bubblies labeled brut. The...
by Ray Johnson | Oct 5, 2009 | California, Chalk Hill, Chardonnay, Sonoma County
Chalk Hill Winery, Chalk Hill, Sonoma County, Estate Bottled, Chardonnay 2000 This is a toasty Chardonnay, with the oakiness enhanced by the nuttiness of time. In the mouth there is the full-on richness and thickness that is the house style yet the acidity is spot-on,...
by Ray Johnson | Sep 28, 2009 | California, Chardonnay, Napa Valley, Spring Mountain District
I’ve long been a fan of the Riesling produced by Smith-Madrone and further an ardent admirer of their willingness to stick with a grape which despite the great wines it can deliver, doesn’t bring home the biggest side of bacon in the Napa Valley. Their...
by Ray Johnson | Sep 27, 2009 | Bennett Valley, California, Chardonnay, Sonoma County
Frostwatch, Bennett Valley, Sonoma County, Chardonnay 2007 The nose is complex and toasty with a sense of hazlenuts. In the mouth the fruits are tropical, like papaya and pineapple. This is a big-bodied Chardonnay with viscosity and buttery richness, as well as...
by Ray Johnson | Sep 23, 2009 | California, Chardonnay, Napa Valley
Merryvale, Napa Valley, Starmont, Chardonnay 2007 There’s plenty of oaky richness in the nose while the mouth adds the richness of butter and viscosity while at the same time maintaining a refreshing apple character – nice. P&B in Napa 13.5% $11.79 at...
