by Ray Johnson | Sep 2, 2008 | Garganega, Italy, Soave, Veneto
Inama, Soave Classico, DOC 2006 This has been a solid producer though a little of the heat is showing. There’s plenty of viscosity with the buttery richness in the mouth. All Garganega from vines 30+ years old, there is some skin contact time, stainless...
by Ray Johnson | Aug 26, 2008 | Italy, Nebbiolo, Piemonte
La Spinetta, Barbaresco DOCG, Vigneto Starderi 2004 The previous vintage was a concentrated, oaky heavyweight, still in its infancy when tasted in late ’07. This ’04 smells of sweet oak and New World fruit. Again we see a tannic monster that is caressed by...
by Ray Johnson | Aug 26, 2008 | Arneis, Cortese, Gavi di Gavi, Italy, Langhe, Petite Sirah
Ceretto, Langhe, Arneis DOC, Blange’ 2007 This is quite fresh with lots of flowers, citrus fruit, moderate acidity and a light body. Blange is the name of Ceretto’s estate property, devoted to Arneis, spread over two villages. The wine’s production...
by Ray Johnson | Aug 19, 2008 | Chianti Classico, Italy, Langhe, Nebbiolo, Piemonte, Sangiovese, Tuscany
Castello della Paneretta, Chianti Classico DOCG 2005 There’s loads of acidity and the taste of cherries. The grapes behind this wine are 90% Sangiovese and 10% Canaiolo. Estate bottled in Barberino val d’Elsa 13% $17.99 at Traverso’s Paneretta Andrea...
by Ray Johnson | Aug 19, 2008 | Alto Adige, Italy, Pinot Gris and Grigio
Cantina Terlano, Alto Adige, Pinot Grigio DOC 2007 The 2006 showed the palpable acidity one would expect. The ’07 is again right-on with fresh fruits and perfume with plenty of acidityBottled in Terlano 13% $19.99 at Traverso’s Terlano
by Ray Johnson | Jul 23, 2008 | California, Champagne, Chardonnay, France, Italy, Moscato d'Asti, Muscat, Piemonte, Sparkling sweet
J, Russian River Valley, cuvee 20 nv Clean, fresh, fruit, tasted at the winery in May. This wine has the zip of fresh green apples. The base wine is from a recent vintage with 25% oak-aged reserves adding to the final blend. The wine is aged for 3 years on the lees...
