by Ray Johnson | Nov 20, 2009 | Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Howell Mountain, Napa Valley
La Jota Vineyard Co., Howell Mountain, Napa Valley, Howell Mountain Selection, Cabernet Sauvignon 2002 The nose if full of brown spices, cinnamon and cloves with a sense of minerality, candy and a spirituous character. Unfortunately the wine is drying out, a bit past...
by Ray Johnson | Nov 20, 2009 | Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Howell Mountain, Napa Valley
Atlas Peak, Napa Valley, Howell Mountain, Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 The nose features sweet and toasty oak with a sense of brandied berries warmed on the stove. In the mouth the wine is chewy and tart, craving a piece of red meat. Produced and bottled in Napa 13.7% $85...
by Ray Johnson | Nov 20, 2009 | Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Howell Mountain, Napa Valley
Robert Craig, Howell Mountain, Napa Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 The nose combines the best of California’s fruit with Bordeaux’s leafiness. There’s cherry and vanilla with bay leaves and cigar box. In the mouth it is super dense, with the acidity...
by Ray Johnson | Nov 20, 2009 | Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Howell Mountain, Napa Valley
Nickel & Nickel Winery, Napa Valley, Howell Mountain, Vogt Vineyard, Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 I find an effusive sweetness in the nose, a signature ripe character that I consistently associate with the wines of this estate. There’s Cassis and vanilla, toasty...
by Ray Johnson | Sep 22, 2009 | Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Carneros, Chardonnay, Diamond Mountain District, Howell Mountain, Mount Veeder, Napa Valley, Oak Knoll District, Pinot Noir, Rutherford, Sauvignon Blanc, Sauvignon Gris, Spring Mountain District, Stags Leap District
Grgich Hills, Napa Valley, Estate Grown, Fume Blanc 2007 This wine is always ripping with acidity, tangy and bright and the same is certainly true today – yes! Sourced from biodynamically grown fruit grown in American Canyon and the Carneros, the wine is...
by Ray Johnson | Apr 17, 2009 | California, Howell Mountain, Merlot, Napa Valley
Fleury Estate Winery, Howell Mountain, Napa Valley, Merlot 2006 This wine reminds us that Merlot need not be flacid. Acidity enhances the plumminess of Merlot and makes it all the more food-friendly. At the same time, the fruitiness and plush texture makes this wine...
