by Ray Johnson | Jul 16, 2008 | Anderson Valley, Blanc de Noirs, California, Chardonnay, Mendocino County, Pinot Noir, Rosé, Sparkling Dry
This flight shows a nice contrast in approach to the making of pink sparkling in California. The Roederer embraces a high acid framework that is very crisp while the Mumm goes for a softer approach with a more visible hint of RS in the background. Different animals...
by Ray Johnson | Jul 15, 2008 | California, Carignane, Chateauneuf-du-Pape, France, Grenache, Mendocino County, Mourvedre, Napa Valley, Oak Knoll District, Rhône, Rhone Blend, Santa Barbara County, Syrah
Monticello, Napa Valley, Oak Knoll District, Estate Grown, Syrah 2005 Lush and graced by black fruits and a bit of black pepper. P&B in Napa 14.5% $ at the winery Monticello Trinafour, Mendocino County, Niemi Vineyard, Carignane 2006 There’s ample acidity to...
by Ray Johnson | Jul 11, 2008 | Anderson Valley, Burgundy, California, France, Mendocino County, Monterey County, Nuits-Saint-Georges, Pinot Noir, Santa Lucia Highlands
Papapietro Perry Russian River Valley Pinot Noir 2006 intensely concentrated berry, liquer-like fruit and a little warmth. P&B in Healdsburg 14.25% $38.49 at Bottle Barn Papapietro Perry Sonnet Santa Lucia Highlands Tondre’s Grapefield Pinot Noir 2004 Smokey...
by Ray Johnson | Jul 11, 2008 | Germany, Mendocino County, Mendocino Ridge, Mosel-Saar-Ruwer, Riesling
Greenwood Ridge Mendocino Ridge Estate Bottled White Riesling 2006 This has always been a crowd pleaser; this vintage pushes the RS up to 2.8%. GP&B in Philo 13.5% $13.69 at Bottle Barn Greenwood Ridge Dr. Loosen Mosel-Saar-Ruwer Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling...
by Ray Johnson | Jul 7, 2008 | Anderson Valley, Mendocino County, Pinot Noir
Handley Anderson Valley Pinot Noir 2005 The reserve Pinot from Handley was a big hit last semester. This wine features sweet vanilla notes wrapped around supple cherry fruit – an extra silky texture. Winemaker Milla Handley. P&B in Philo 14.5% $23.49 at...
by Ray Johnson | Jul 7, 2008 | California, Chenin Blanc, Clarksburg, Mendocino County
Vinum Cellars Clarksburg CNW Wilson Vineyards Chenin Blanc 2006 From the ABC crowd at Vinum, these guys are willing to bet on the ‘other grapes’. Barrel fermented and aged 6 months in oak for complexity yet the bracing side of Chenin shines through....
