by Ray Johnson | Mar 28, 2013 | 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
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...
by Ray Johnson | Jun 7, 2011 | Bordeaux Style Blends, California, Napa Valley
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 this with Ribeye and...
by Ray Johnson | Mar 10, 2011 | California, Napa Valley, Sauvignon Blanc
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 some on the block....
by Ray Johnson | Feb 24, 2011 | Napa Valley
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 featured wineries Five Winetasting Seminars...
by Ray Johnson | Dec 3, 2010 | Bordeaux Style Blends, Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Dry Creek Valley, Knights Valley, Merlot, Napa Valley, Oakville, Rutherford, Sonoma County
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 by its tannic...
by Ray Johnson | Dec 3, 2010 | California, Dry Creek Valley, Napa Valley, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, Zinfandel
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 closure in Geyserville...
