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 | Jun 25, 2008 | California, Dry Creek Valley, Mendocino County, Petite Sirah, Redwood Valley, Sonoma County, Zinfandel
Zin and Petite often work together, one behind the scenes of the other who gets the billing on the label. Claudia Springs Redwood Valley John Ricetti Vineyard Zinfandel 2005 There’s jammy fruit and a little warmth from the alcohol. Winemaker Bob Klindt. P&B...
by Ray Johnson | May 16, 2008 | Anderson Valley, California, Champagne, France, Mendocino County, Sparkling Dry
We’ve looked at different styles of brut sparkling before. This flight illustrates some more contrast in what this word can mean. Roederer Estate, Anderson Valley, Estate Bottled, Brut nv This wine is consistently the personification of green apples – lip...
by Ray Johnson | May 7, 2008 | Anderson Valley, California, Chardonnay, Mendocino County, Napa Valley, North Coast, Pinot Noir, Sparkling Dry
This flight pits top wines from Schramsberg in Calistoga and Roederer Estate in Philo. Roederer Estate Anderson Valley L”Ermitage Estate Brut 2000 This has been a personal favorite balancing the racy house style with the complexity given by time on the lees and...
by Ray Johnson | May 1, 2008 | Anderson Valley, California, Mendocino County, Pinot Noir
This flight features 3 Pinot Noir from Mendo’s Anderson Valley, ranging from a baby ’06 through a more mature ’02. Roessler Anderson Valley Bluejay Pinot Noir 2006 The last bottle of this wine was delicious though the acidity was quite sharp. Again...
by Ray Johnson | Apr 30, 2008 | California, Gewurztraminer, Mendocino County, Pinot Noir
Perhaps the next best thing to wine; anyone who has made wine knows how delicious this is. Yes, I’m talking about freshly crushed grape juice. Navarro has longed shared this specialty with the rest of the world and tonight we sample both. Not a drop of alcohol...
