by Ray Johnson | Nov 21, 2009 | Anderson Valley, California, Mendocino County, Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County
Chronicle, Sonoma Coast, Pinot Noir 2006 The nose sports sweet cherry and raspberries, with vanilla and cinnamon. The mouth shows these fruits again in a sleek format, a texture that is silky and ripe – delicious. Think about this Pinot when you want one to...
by Ray Johnson | Nov 18, 2009 | Anderson Valley, California, Carneros, Chardonnay, Clarksburg, Gewurztraminer, Mendocino County
The Wine Institute and the California Association of Winegrape Growers hosted a seminar and tasting yesterday to showcase the passing of the torch in California’s winegrowing families. Featured speakers included Warren Bogle, whose family has been farming in...
by Ray Johnson | Oct 28, 2009 | Anderson Valley, California, Mendocino County, Pinot Noir
Esterlina, Anderson Valley, Estate Vineyard, Pinot Noir 2007 The fruit is quite expressive in the nose – an explosion of red and black fruits with a smoky note for complexity. In the mouth the fruit shines again with plenty of acidity and a supple texture. Warm...
by Ray Johnson | Oct 24, 2009 | California, Mendocino County, Sauvignon Blanc
Husch, Mendocino, Renegade, Sauvignon Blanc 2007 This is a rounder style of Sauvignon with the enhancement of oak. The wine takes its name from the ‘renegade’ yeasts that are allowed to ply their craft without the help of their cultured cousins. The grapes...
by Ray Johnson | Oct 17, 2009 | California, Chenin Blanc, Mendocino County
Navarro, Mendocino, Chenin Blanc 2008 This dry, high acid Chenin is bursting with the taste of green apples and lime – very nice. Tasting a second bottle in December I have to reiterate the refreshing, tangy character of this wine, long lasting and delicious. As...
by Ray Johnson | Oct 15, 2009 | Anderson Valley, Mendocino County, Rosé
Copain, Anderson Valley, ‘Tous Ensemble’, Rose 2008 This rose has developed a rather rustic character. With 12 hours the funkier smells have blown off. The fruit, however, is receding and the alcohol is showing more of itself, with a sense of astringency. This is...
