by Ray Johnson | Jul 28, 2010 | Anderson Valley, California, Mendocino County, Pinot Noir, Rosé
Goldeneye, Anderson Valley, Vin Gris of Pinot Noir 2009 The nose features fresh strawberries. On the palate there is a creamy mouthfeel, a silky texture, with a thickness not often found in rose – very nice. The wine is made by the saignee method, bleeding off a...
by Ray Johnson | Jun 11, 2010 | California, Lake County, Mendocino County, Riesling
Bonterra, 88% Lake County, 12% Mendocino County, Riesling 2009 There’s a medley of fruits in the nose, including lime, pears and peaches, accented by lots of freshly picked sweet and spicy flowers. In the mouth the citrus and stone fruits come through vibrantly,...
by Ray Johnson | May 5, 2010 | Anderson Valley, California, Mendocino County, Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County
Willowbrook, Russian River Valley, J.C.O. Limited, Estate Grown, Pinot Noir 2007 The nose is a very sweet expression of oak and ripe fruit. In the mouth, this Pinot is silky and warm, showing caramel over freshly baked cherry pie. Winemaker Joseph Otos. P&B in...
by Ray Johnson | Apr 14, 2010 | California, Gewurztraminer, Mendocino County, Muscat, Pinot Gris and Grigio, Riesling
Navarro Vineyards, Mendocino Table Wine, Edelzwicker 2008 The flowers are vibrant when you smell this wine – really delightful. In the mouth the fruit combines nicely with the sweetness. You’ll also pick up a sense of the Gewurz and its traditional...
by Ray Johnson | Feb 8, 2010 | California, Mendocino County, Rosé, Zinfandel
Carol Shelton, Mendocino County, Rendezvous Rose 2008 The nose is vibrantly fruity, evocative of fresh raspberries and herbs. In the mouth it is dry and fruity, with a little warmth. The RS adds some weight, filling our the wine and amplifying the fruitiness. The...
by Ray Johnson | Jan 11, 2010 | Anderson Valley, Mendocino County, Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, Santa Barbara County, Santa Maria Valley, Sta. Rita Hills
The final round of judging in the 2010 Pinot Noir Shootout was held today at Bistro Boudin on Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco. I was asked to join about 30 other judges to pick the best of the best from over 250 entries across the world. It was an easy day of...
