by Ray Johnson | Jan 1, 2010 | Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Napa Valley
Paul Hobbs, Napa Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 This is a truly delicious wine, showing the polish that you expect from Hobbs. Though it can improve in the cellar it is spot-on drinkable right now. A good friend shared this with us at Christmas, when we paired it...
by Ray Johnson | Dec 27, 2009 | Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Napa Valley, Sauvignon Blanc, Yountville
This summer we had the opportunity to meet with winemaker Dave Galzignato. Our visit took us from Krug’s historical position in the Napa Valley to its modern incarnation, using a new sorting table to isolate the best of the best fruit, from vineyards that the...
by Ray Johnson | Dec 6, 2009 | California, Napa Valley, Sauvignon Blanc
This fall we visited Robert Mondavi with our Napa Valley class. We regained a sense of the historical significance of this winery and its founder while tasting some beautiful wines. Here is a look at their trademark Fumes from the ’07 vintage. Robert Mondavi,...
by Ray Johnson | Dec 4, 2009 | Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
Swanson, Napa Valley, Estate, Alexis 1999 There’s a great chocolate character in the nose yet the fruit is starting to dry out on the palate. Though past the crest of the hill it still is a pleasure and would work well paired with a thick slab of beef. The...
by Ray Johnson | Dec 4, 2009 | Bordeaux Style Blends, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Napa Valley, Stags Leap District
Cliff Lede, Napa Valley, Stags Leap District, Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 Fresh fruit and new oak leap from the glass when you smell this wine. In the mouth the tannins are polished making this Cab approachable now. The length is great. With time though, the oak will...
by Ray Johnson | Dec 4, 2009 | California, Late Harvest White, Napa Valley, Semillon, White Dessert
Dolce, Napa Valley, Late Harvest Wine 2004 As I usually find with this wine, the emulation of Sauternes is quite apparent. In the nose there is honey, caramel, oak, tropical fruits and volatility. In the mouth the memory of my last creme caramel is rekindled, that...
