by Ray Johnson | May 7, 2008 | Napa Valley, Port, Zinfandel
Ballentine Vineyards Napa Valley Estate Grown Zinfandel Port 2004 There’s a sense of a brand new, just crushed wine in the cellar, with vivacious, grapy fruit. There’s definitely some heat as we would see from Portugal, yet this New World Port wears its...
by Ray Johnson | Apr 30, 2008 | Bordeaux, Bordeaux Style Blends, Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Napa Valley, Paso Robles, Saint-Julien
Justin Paso Robles Isosceles 2005 Lots of toasty oak and sour cherries with a thickness that lasts a long time. 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Cabernet Franc and 7% Merlot. GP&B in Paso Robles 14.6% $47.99 at Bottle Barn Justin Chateau Leoville Las Cases Saint-Julien...
by Ray Johnson | Apr 30, 2008 | Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Diamond Mountain District, Napa Valley
Paul Hobbs Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 Hobbs is truly the master at producing elegant, polished Cabernet. This wine has notes of the cigar box, a kiss of oak and ripe, supple tannins. P&B in Sebastopol 14.9% $74.99 at Bottle Barn Paul Hobbs Altamura Napa...
by Ray Johnson | Apr 30, 2008 | California, Merlot, Napa Valley, Spring Mountain District
Pride Mountain Vineyards Napa Sonoma Merlot 2001 Unfortunately this wines was corked, which is especially disconcerting at this price. Pride has always delighted with the lush feel of their red wines. This is sourced from their estate on the county line(s). Thus the...
by Ray Johnson | Apr 30, 2008 | California, Late Harvest White, Napa Valley, Semillon
Dolce Napa Valley Late Harvest Wine 2003 This is the classic California Sauternes competitor, in flavor and in price. There’s a blend of pineapple and caramel with honey and minerality on a viscous palate where the flavor goes on and on. The grapes are sourced...
by Ray Johnson | Apr 25, 2008 | California, Napa Valley, Zinfandel
Frank Family Napa Valley Zinfandel 2006 Known for awesome Cabernet, tonight we sample their Zin. This wine smells of vanilla and other essences of dessert. There’s lots of extract, very jammy in black fruit and a healthy heft of tannin. 8% Petite Sirah, 15...
