by Ray Johnson | Mar 26, 2011 | Bordeaux, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Merlot, Mudgee, New South Wales
This tour starts in California, moves to Bordeaux and finishes down under, featuring Merlot and both Cabernets. Redwood Creek, California, Merlot 2009 This is an easy-drinking quaffer, quite light, fruity and hinting at a bit of structure. Winemaker Cal Dennison....
by Ray Johnson | May 12, 2010 | Australia, Hunter Valley, New South Wales, Semillon
Brokenwood, Hunter Valley, Oakey Creek Vineyard, Semillon 2004 Give this just 10 minutes in the glass to blow off a bit of sulfur. Then the toasty character comes on, quite a complex wine with nuttiness and a bit of spicy flowers. In the mouth it has rounded out,...
by Ray Johnson | Nov 2, 2009 | Australia, Hunter Valley, New South Wales, Semillon
Brokenwood, Hunter Valley, Semillon 2008 This Semillon is crisp and lean, with flavors of lemon and green apple. The experience is amplified by a bit of petillance. The Hunter is famous for producing lowish alcohol wines from early picked Semillon that develop honeyed...
by Ray Johnson | Aug 30, 2008 | Anderson Valley, California, Chardonnay, Gewurztraminer, Hunter Valley, Lodi, Mendocino County, Mendocino Ridge, New South Wales, Pinot Meunier, Pinot Noir, Semillon, Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County, Sonoma Mountain, Sonoma Valley, Zinfandel
When Vacu-Dry ceased operations in Sebastopol, California, many bemoaned the continuing decline of the apple industry in Sonoma’s West County region. Yet from those ashes many a high-flying phoenix has taken flight. The large and rather dingy industrial complex...
by Ray Johnson | Dec 9, 2007 | Australia, Hunter Valley, New South Wales, Semillon
Pepper Tree Hunter Valley Semillon 2005 This baby is screaming with acidity – very green and right on target. Put it to bed for the long haul and enjoy it when it matures. 100% Semillon fermented in stainless. Winemaker Chris Cameron. Produced in Pokolbin 11.5%...
by Ray Johnson | Dec 7, 2007 | Australia, Barossa, Hunter Valley, New South Wales, South Australia, White Dessert
Margan Hunter Valley Botrytis Semillon 2005 This wines has tropical fruit and the volatility that accompanies many botrytis wines. The palate is very thick and the acidity seems shy though the stats say otherwise at 10 g/L. RS 12.7%, alcohol 10.5% $25 (375ml) at...
