by Ray Johnson | Jul 26, 2010 | Bordeaux Style Blends, California, Napa Valley
Pahlmeyer, Napa Valley, Red Wine 2006 In the nose the fruit is quite sweet and ripe, reminiscent of Cassis accented with vanilla and brown spices. In the mouth this Bordeaux-style blend is ripe and approachable, quite silky and ready to drink without delay –...
by Ray Johnson | Jun 29, 2010 | Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Napa Valley
Cynthus, Napa Valley, Stagecoach Vineyard, Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 The nose features Cassis, bay leaves and the sweetness of oak, expressed as vanilla and caramel. Give this some time to open up; with 30 minutes more black fruits emerge. On the palate the oak adds...
by Ray Johnson | Jun 27, 2010 | California, Merlot, Napa Valley
Luna, Napa Valley, Merlot 2006 The nose features sweet oaky notes and black fruit. In the mouth the black fruits come through with cherries too. The suppleness of Merlot that most consumers seek is on full display in a light-bodied expression that is immediately...
by Ray Johnson | Jun 10, 2010 | California, Napa Valley, Semillon
Semillon in California seems to have a bit of a Rodney Dangerfield image, playing second fiddle behind the more photogenic stars of the viticultural landscape. Yet in Australia’s Hunter and Bordeaux’s Sauternes, it is the star. I was delighted to find a...
by Ray Johnson | May 12, 2010 | Bordeaux Style Blends, Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Napa Valley, Petit Verdot
These wines were first tasted during a visit with Alan Viader at the estate on April 30. I bought two of my favorites to share with the UC Berkeley class in San Francisco on May 12. The notes below are a combination of observations from the two tastings. Dare by...
by Ray Johnson | May 10, 2010 | Bordeaux Style Blends, Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Knights Valley, Merlot, Napa Valley, Sonoma County, Virginia
Kendall-Jackson, Knights Valley, Highland Estates, Trace Ridge, Red Wine 2006 Unfortunately this bottle is corked. The grapes behind this wine are 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Merlot and 7% Petit Verdot. The wine was aged for 19 months in French oak, 45% of which was...
