by Ray Johnson | Oct 16, 2009 | California, Merlot, Napa Valley
Grgich Hills, Napa Valley, Estate Grown, Merlot 2004 There’s lots of plummy fruit in the nose. In the mouth you’ll find the characteristic Merlot suppleness, with nice density, a healthy kiss of oak and a lingering creaminess. The grapes for this wine are...
by Ray Johnson | Oct 1, 2009 | Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Napa Valley
The identity of some wineries can be expressed in a single word. For Spottswoode, that word is elegance. The theme of elegance resonates through the manicured landscape, the persona of its team and the wine in the bottle. We visited with the family and the winemakers...
by Ray Johnson | Sep 29, 2009 | Bordeaux Style Blends, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Malbec, Merlot, Napa Valley, Petit Verdot, Stags Leap District
Franciscan, Napa Valley, Magnificat 2004 This wine exudes sweet ripe fruit in the nose. This profile follows through in the mouth with chalky tannins and lingering acidity. Produced and bottled in Rutherford 14.5% $50 at the winery for the latest vintage ’05...
by Ray Johnson | Sep 28, 2009 | California, Chardonnay, Napa Valley, Spring Mountain District
I’ve long been a fan of the Riesling produced by Smith-Madrone and further an ardent admirer of their willingness to stick with a grape which despite the great wines it can deliver, doesn’t bring home the biggest side of bacon in the Napa Valley. Their...
by Ray Johnson | Sep 23, 2009 | California, Chardonnay, Napa Valley
Merryvale, Napa Valley, Starmont, Chardonnay 2007 There’s plenty of oaky richness in the nose while the mouth adds the richness of butter and viscosity while at the same time maintaining a refreshing apple character – nice. P&B in Napa 13.5% $11.79 at...
by Ray Johnson | Sep 22, 2009 | Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Napa Valley, Spring Mountain District
Terra Valentine, Napa Valley, Spring Mountain District, Yverdon Vineyard, Estate, Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 This dense wine sports cedar in the nose, as well as black fruits and cigar box. In the mouth it is quite dense and structured, built to age, full of fruit and...
