Category Archives: New Zealand

Sonoma State Sensory Evaluation Workshop

Posted on March 28, 2013 by Ray Johnson

Staying ahead of flaws in the cellar and quantifying perceptual differences and consumer preferences are critical to a winery’s bottom line.  Following our return from New Zealand, Sonoma State’s Wine Business Institute will partner with VESTA to again offer this … Continue reading →

Posted in Albariño, Alsace, Alto Adige, Andalucia, Barbera, Barbera d'Asti, Barolo, Bordeaux, California, Chardonnay, Cinsault, Dealcoholized, Fortified dessert, France, Gewurztraminer, Graves, Italy, Jerez, Madeira, Malmsey, Malvasia, Marlborough, Merlot, Napa County, Napa Valley, Nebbiolo, New Zealand, Palomino, Pessac-Leognan, Piemonte, Pinot Noir, Port, Portugal, Provence, Rosé, Russian River Valley, Sancerre, Sauternes, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Sherry, Sonoma County, South Africa, Spain, Tawny Port, Var, Vinho Verde, Western Cape | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Saint Clair Vicar’s Choice Sauvignon Blanc 2008

Posted on January 21, 2010 by Ray Johnson

Saint Clair,  Marlborough, Vicar’s Choice, Sauvignon Blanc 2008 In the nose you’ll find apricot and green pepper spiced up with floral notes. In the mouth the acidity is vibrant and the body light with a bit of petillance – a … Continue reading →

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Sauvignon Republic Marlborough 2008

Posted on August 29, 2009 by Ray Johnson

Sauvignon Republic, Marlborough, Sauvignon Blanc 2008 The current vintage shows plenty gooseberry and freshly cut grass. In the mouth, it is racy as ever, with added depth of flavor and a sense of citrus peel – very nice. Notes on … Continue reading →

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Oyster Bay Sauvignon 2008

Posted on May 12, 2009 by Ray Johnson

Oyster Bay, Marlborough, Sauvignon Blanc 2008 Like the ’07, This is in-your-face Sauvignon with bell pepper and lots of acid. All stainless with some lees contact. 13% $10.49 at Bottle Barn Oyster Bay

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Another look at Central Otago

Posted on January 29, 2009 by Ray Johnson

Mt. Difficulty, Central Otago, Roaring Meg, Pinot Noir 2006 The red fruit smells blend with a bit of compost in the nose. The mouth is tart and a little tannic and lasts a long time. P&B in Bannockburn 14.5% $17.99 … Continue reading →

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Cloudy Bay Pinot Noir 2006

Posted on January 29, 2009 by Ray Johnson

Cloudy Bay, Marlborough, Pinot Noir 2006 In the nose there are fresh and lightly stewed cherries. This wine demonstrates the tart character that Pinot can display and how refreshing and food-friendly that can be. The mouthfeel is creamy as well, … Continue reading →

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Saint Clair Marlborough Pinot 2007

Posted on January 29, 2009 by Ray Johnson

Saint Clair, Marlborough, Pinot Noir 2007 Give this new vintage a little air to blow off a bit of reductive character. The fruit is quite alive in the mouth, clean and lively with a price that makes it a great … Continue reading →

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Rippon Pinot Noir 2006

Posted on November 21, 2008 by Ray Johnson

Rippon, Central Otago, Lake Wanaka, Pinot Noir 2006 This vintage sports smoky and toasty notes in the nose. The mouth is densely packed with fruit and the ample acidity carries the flavor for a long time. Notes on the previous … Continue reading →

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Sherwood Pinot Noir 2007

Posted on November 21, 2008 by Ray Johnson

Sherwood Estate, Marlborough, Pinot Noir 2007 Brambles, earth and green spices mark the nose and the fruit is still in the background, waiting to come out. In the mouth though, the fruit is poignant, framed by lots of acidity. Proprietors … Continue reading →

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Kiwi delight

Posted on September 11, 2008 by Ray Johnson

The Drylands and Omaka Springs shine in this flight and show two slightly different taste profiles. Drylands, Marlborough, Sauvignon Blanc 2007 A pungent rush of gooseberry jumps out of the glass when you pour this wine with cut grass in … Continue reading →

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