by Ray Johnson | Nov 14, 2008 | California, Monterey County, Pinot Noir, Santa Barbara County
Kendall-Jackson, Santa Barbara 63% and Monterey County 37%, Grand Reserve, Pinot Noir 2005 There’s sweet, candied fruit smells and a supple, fruity palate graced by the sweetness of oak. The grapes are all Pinot Noir. The wine was aged in 100% French oak (36%...
by Ray Johnson | Nov 14, 2008 | California, Monterey County, Pinot Noir, Santa Lucia Highlands
Savannah-Chanelle Vineyards, Santa Lucia Highlands, Pinot Noir 2000 This winery just won sweepstakes red at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition for one of its 2005 single vineyard bottlings from the Sonoma Coast. This regional bottling takes us back in time 8...
by Ray Johnson | Sep 22, 2008 | California, Central Coast, Monterey County, Riesling, Santa Barbara County
Firestone, Central Coast, Vineyard Select, Riesling 2006 The smell of stone fruits and citrus greets you in the glass. In the mouth the wine is fresh, moderately acidic and graced by obvious residual sugar. The acid levels will seem faint to those who live on the...
by Ray Johnson | Sep 11, 2008 | California, Chardonnay, Monterey County
Hahn, Monterey, Chardonnay 2006 The smell of fresh oak is alive in the glass with some tropical fruit in the background. There’s oak to chew on in your mouth along with the flavors of butterscotch and caramel and a viscous impression that is supported by some...
by Ray Johnson | Sep 9, 2008 | California, Chardonnay, Monterey County, Napa Valley, Sonoma County
Ghost Pines, Sonoma Napa and Monterey Counties, Winemaker’s Blend, Chardonnay 2006 Tropical fruits and toasty oak make up the nose. The oak follows through in the mouth without being overbearing and the little bit of butteriness enhances the mouth rather than...
by Ray Johnson | Sep 8, 2008 | California, Monterey County, Roussanne, San Antonio Valley
Line Shack, San Antonio Valley California, Roussanne 2006 There are faint smells of stone fruit and some perfume. This is a light-bodied wine, a bit thin but not offensive with lowish acidity. C&B in Santa Maria 13.5% $18 at the winery but sold out Line...
