Category Archives: Napa Valley

Sonoma State Sensory Evaluation Workshop

Posted on March 28, 2013 by Ray Johnson

Staying ahead of flaws in the cellar and quantifying perceptual differences and consumer preferences are critical to a winery’s bottom line.  Following our return from New Zealand, Sonoma State’s Wine Business Institute will partner with VESTA to again offer this … Continue reading →

Posted in Albariño, Alsace, Alto Adige, Andalucia, Barbera, Barbera d'Asti, Barolo, Bordeaux, California, Chardonnay, Cinsault, Dealcoholized, Fortified dessert, France, Gewurztraminer, Graves, Italy, Jerez, Madeira, Malmsey, Malvasia, Marlborough, Merlot, Napa County, Napa Valley, Nebbiolo, New Zealand, Palomino, Pessac-Leognan, Piemonte, Pinot Noir, Port, Portugal, Provence, Rosé, Russian River Valley, Sancerre, Sauternes, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Sherry, Sonoma County, South Africa, Spain, Tawny Port, Var, Vinho Verde, Western Cape | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

St. Supery Elu 2005

Posted on June 7, 2011 by Ray Johnson

St. Supery, Napa Valley, Elu 2005 The nose features Cassis and cigar box, some leafy, Bordeauxish character, complex and sprinkled as if with fresh tobacco. In the mouth this wine is chewy yet approachable, enhanced with oak. Think of serving … Continue reading →

Posted in Bordeaux Style Blends, California, Napa Valley | Tagged | Leave a comment

Honig Sauvignon Blanc 2009

Posted on March 10, 2011 by Ray Johnson

Honig, Napa Valley, Sauvignon Blanc 2009 Over the years this has been my go-to Sauvignon for events with groups visiting California. The wine speaks of citrus with refreshing acidity while at the same time not having the overwhelming austerity of … Continue reading →

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Napa Valley Wine Cruise

Posted on February 24, 2011 by Ray Johnson

Join me on a seven day Alaska Wine Cruise departing June 11, 2011 There will be lots of wine from the Napa Valley and in particular Cabs and Bordeaux blends from Rutherford: Three Wines each night with dinner from our … Continue reading →

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California Cabernet and Bordeaux Blends

Posted on December 3, 2010 by Ray Johnson

Paul Hobbs, Oakville Napa Valley, Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard, Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 The sense of Cassis is quite vibrant in the nose. The vividness of the fruit continues in the mouth with the structure of Cabernet. You know it’s Cabernet … Continue reading →

Posted in Bordeaux Style Blends, Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Dry Creek Valley, Knights Valley, Merlot, Napa Valley, Oakville, Rutherford, Sonoma County | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

California Zinfandel

Posted on December 3, 2010 by Ray Johnson

Stryker Sonoma, Dry Creek Valley, Zinfandel 2007 Tim Hardin hits another home run with this opulently fruity, sweet-smelling Zin. In the mouth the theme continues, with a lush texture and a little warmth. Produced and bottled under a screw cap … Continue reading →

Posted in California, Dry Creek Valley, Napa Valley, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, Zinfandel | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

The Great Wines of St. Helena

Posted on November 3, 2010 by Ray Johnson

While the Napa Valley’s St. Helena AVA speaks the language of Cabernet and its red wine Bordeaux brethren, there are other grapes making delightful wines as well. Thus this showcase of wines begins with a Bordeaux colleague in the white … Continue reading →

Posted in Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Napa Valley, Sauvignon Blanc, St. Helena, Zinfandel | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Oberon Sauvignon Blanc 2009

Posted on August 28, 2010 by Ray Johnson

Oberon, Napa Valley, Sauvignon Blanc 2009 This wine is the essence of grapefruit, from the aroma to the flavors in the mouth. The acidity is crisp, making this wine quite zippy and refreshing. The grapes are all Sauvignon Blanc and … Continue reading →

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Clos Du Val Stags Leap Cabernet Sauvignon 2005

Posted on August 7, 2010 by Ray Johnson

Clos Du Val, Napa Valley, Stags Leap District, Estate Bottled, Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 The nose features a complex mix of black fruit, chocolate and earthiness. In the mouth it is quite dense and structured. At this point it is just … Continue reading →

Posted in Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Napa Valley, Stags Leap District | Tagged | 1 Comment

Emblem Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon 2006

Posted on August 7, 2010 by Ray Johnson

Emblem, Napa Valley, Rutherford, Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 The sense of Cassis leaps out of the glass when you pour this wine – the fruit character ripe and concentrated. In the mouth the concentration of fruit continues, on a structured frame. … Continue reading →

Posted in Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Napa Valley, Rutherford | Leave a comment