by Ray Johnson | May 10, 2010 | Albariño, California, Carneros, Clements Hills, Lodi, Napa Valley
Abrente, Napa Valley, Albarino 2009 The fruit in the nose is vibrant, running from citrus through tropical notes. In the mouth the flavor is that of fresh oranges, light-bodied and fresh, with long lingering acidity. The grapes are sourced from the Stewart Ranch in...
by Ray Johnson | Apr 21, 2010 | California, Napa Valley, Petite Sirah
JC Cellars, Napa Valley, Frediani Vineyard, Petite Syrah 2005 The nose is spiritous yet in the mouth the fruit is liqueur-like. The expected tannic profile of Petite is there along with a sense of the alcohol. The cool thing is the added richness, a viscous extract...
by Ray Johnson | Mar 1, 2010 | Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Napa Valley, Oakville, Rutherford
Kelleher, Oakville, Napa Valley, Brix Vineyard, Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 Toasty oak marks the nose along with Cassis. In the mouth this wine is supple and the oaky expression continues with a nice thread of acidity.The wine was aged in French oak for 2 years, 50% of...
by Ray Johnson | Mar 1, 2010 | California, Chardonnay, Napa Valley, Santa Barbara County, Santa Maria Valley
Raymond, Napa Valley, Reserve, Chardonnay 2008 The nose features the smell of fresh oak, stone fruit and a bit of coconut and banana. In the mouth it is smooth and restrained, showing richness without thickness – an elegant Chardonnay. This wine was fermented in...
by Ray Johnson | Feb 1, 2010 | Bordeaux Style Blends, Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Merlot, Napa Valley
Jayson, Napa Valley, Red 2005 This Bordeaux-style blend is opulently fruity and imminently approachable – no need to let this dawdle in the cellar. Our good friend Richard Trost brought this to dinner last night and we enjoyed it with a roasted pork tenderloin,...
by Ray Johnson | Jan 21, 2010 | California, Napa Valley, Sangiovese
Luna, Napa Valley, Sangiovese 2007 This is a light-bodied and fruit forward Sangiovese to tickle the heart of died in the wool New World wine drinkers. I’m a huge fan of Sangiovese but often when I introduce a classic model from Tuscany, a number of people in...
