by Ray Johnson | Aug 21, 2008 | California, Cucamonga Valley, Lake County, Muscat, Sherry, White Dessert
Bonterra, Lake County, Bartolucci Vineyard, Muscat 2004 This wine has been well-made since the good old days when the you could taste it at the beautiful Valley Oaks facility. There are the compelling floral notes associated with Muscat plus some pastry-like...
by Ray Johnson | Aug 21, 2008 | Amador County, California, El Dorado County, Lake County, Napa Valley, Sierra Foothills, Zinfandel
Rombauer, California, Zinfandel 2006 This has always been on the very rich end of Zin styles with perceptible residual sugar – nonetheless a crowd-pleaser. This vintage follows the same path. The fruit is 59% Amador, 24% Napa, 11% lake and 6% El Dorado Counties....
by Ray Johnson | Jul 10, 2008 | Alexander Valley, Australia, Bordeaux Style Blends, Guenoc Valley, Idaho, Lake County, McLaren Vale, Meritage, Merlot, Napa Valley, Sonoma County, South Australia
Clarendon Hills Clarendon Brookman Merlot 2005 Roman Bratasiuk pulls no punches with his opulent wines. This Merlot features ripe fruit and the cigar box characters we often associate with Bordeaux. The texture is oh so plush. P&B in Blewitt Springs 14.5% $60...
by Ray Johnson | Jul 7, 2008 | California, Lake County, Mendocino County, Organic grapes, Viognier
Bonterra 73% Mendocino 27% Lake Counties Viognier 2006 This has been a consistently fresh, aromatic wine across the vintages. The flowers and peaches are in full bloom followed by a lowish-acid fresh mouthfeel. All certified organically grown grapes from a brand that...
by Ray Johnson | Feb 23, 2008 | Alexander Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Lake County, Napa Valley, Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, Sauvignon Blanc, Zinfandel
This flight features 4 wines to showcase the breadth of flavors found in California wine. Guenoc Lake County Sauvignon Blanc 2006 Clean, light-bodied and straightforward value in Sauvignon from the home front. P&B in Middletown, up above Calistoga in the new star...
by Ray Johnson | Oct 12, 2007 | Australia, Barossa Valley, California, Dry Creek Valley, Lake County, Zinfandel
Wild Hog Vineyard Lake County Nova Vineyards Zinfandel 2003 Dried fruits, good acidity, some creaminess and a little warmth. Organically grown grapes. P&B in Cazadero 15.5% $24 at Traverso’s Wild Hog Groom Barossa Valley Bush Block Zinfandel 2006 Intense...