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 | May 28, 2012 | Cabernet Sauvignon, Italy, Merlot, Sangiovese, Umbria
Falesco, Umbria IGT, Vitiano 2005 This wine is showing nicely at a point in its evolution over 6 years since the grapes were harvested. It is light-bodied as expected, as it was in bottles tasted early on. Yet what we have now is complexity beyond the primary fruit...
by Ray Johnson | Apr 1, 2012 | Grillo, Italy, Marsala, Sicilia
During my visit to Pellegrino I had the opportunity to learn first-hand about one of Europe’s most famous fortified wines, Marsala. While the market has faded and consumer interest in these wines has waned, a few producers soldier on making traditional and...
by Ray Johnson | Apr 1, 2012 | Ansonica, Cabernet Sauvignon, Catarratto, Italy, Moscato di Pantelleria, Muscat, Nero d'Avola, Pantelleria, Sicilia
During our recent trip to Sicily I had the opportunity to visit with the team at Donnafugata both on the main island in Marsala and on the small and windswept island of Pantelleria. The wines run the spectrum from fresh, aromatic whites to full-bodied reds, finishing...
by Ray Johnson | Mar 19, 2011 | Burgundy, Chianti, Chianti Classico, France, Italy, Marsannay, Pinot Noir, Sangiovese, Tuscany
Louis Latour, Marsannay, Rouge 2007 The nose displays earthiness and meatiness upon first opening with a bit of black fruit in the background. In the mouth it is quite hard at this point in time. Mis en bouteille a Beaune 13% purchased for $13.59 at Bottle Barn Maison...
by Ray Johnson | Mar 19, 2011 | Alsace, Alto Adige, France, Italy, Pinot Gris and Grigio, Portugal, Vinho Verde
Caves Allianca, Vinho Verde DOC, Branco Unfortunately this bottle is showing some volatility. What is true to type about this wine is the petillance, light body and high acidity. This purchase was bottled in 2010 in Anadia 9% $5.49 at Bottle Barn Caves Alianca Cantina...
