by Ray Johnson | May 1, 2009 | Alexander Valley, California, Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County, Syrah
Bella, Alexander Valley, Big River Ranch, Syrah 2005 There’s jammy black fruit in the nose and a little bit of tar and reductive character when first open. In the mouth, the wine is chewy and oaky with a bit of bitterness. P&B in Healdsburg 14.9% $40 at the...
by Ray Johnson | May 1, 2009 | California, Dry Creek Valley, Grenache, Mourvedre, Rosé, Sonoma County
Quivira, Dry Creek Valley Wine Creek Ranch, Grenache, Rose 2008 In the nose the fruit is ever so fresh, featuring citrus and strawberries. In the mouth there’s plenty of acidity, a little phenolic grip and a sense of the alcohol in the background. The grapes...
by Ray Johnson | Feb 3, 2009 | California, Dry Creek Valley, Pinot Blanc, Sonoma County
Michel-Schlumberger, Dry Creek Valley, Pinot Blanc “La Bise” 2007 This wine consistently smells of the ripe tropical fruits of a sun-drenched land – very fresh. In the mouth, this wine shows the fruitiness of Pinot Blanc in a light-bodied, refreshing...
by Ray Johnson | Jan 13, 2009 | California, Dry Creek Valley, Port, Sonoma County
Raymond Burr Vineyards, Dry Creek Valley, Estate Port 2003 The smell is a mix of dark chocolate, raisins, molasses and earthiness. In the mouth, the sweetness comes through with a chocolately essence and an appropriate sense of the fortifying alcohol. The grapes...
by Ray Johnson | Jan 13, 2009 | Dry Creek Valley, Merlot, Sonoma County
Dry Creek Vineyard, Dry Creek Valley, Merlot 2005 Plums and brambles mark the nose. The fruit is framed by acidity in the mouth which carries the flavor of this light-bodied wine a long way – elegant wine. P&B in Healdsburg 13.5% $19 at the winery Dry Creek...
by Ray Johnson | Dec 10, 2008 | California, Dry Creek Valley, Santa Barbara County, Santa Ynez Valley, Sonoma County, Viognier
This flight provides an interesting contrast in California Viognier. Both are well-made but different animals entirely. The Preston is lighter, fresher, with aromatics that might remind one of a dry California Gewurztraminer. The Cold Heaven is rich, thick and...
