by Ray Johnson | Mar 28, 2013 | 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
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...
by Ray Johnson | Nov 17, 2010 | Barbera, Barbera d'Asti, Italy, Piemonte
Vietti, Barbera d’Asti, Tre Vigne 2008 In the nose you’ll find black fruit, green herbs, earth and chocolate. In the mouth there is Barbera’s acidic trademark, with density of flavor and a fair amount of tannin very long. The grapes are sourced from younger vines in...
by Ray Johnson | Aug 7, 2010 | Italy, Muscat, Piemonte, Sparkling sweet
Cascina Castle’t, Moscato d’Asti 2008 This wine is delightful in its expression of orange blossoms with an added complexity from the extra year in the bottle – creamy and delicious. Estate bottled by Maria Borio in Costigliole d’Asti 5.5% purchased for $14.99 at...
by Ray Johnson | Jul 27, 2010 | Barbaresco, Italy, Nebbiolo, Piemonte
La Spinetta, Barbaresco DOCG, Vigneto Starderi 1997 Almost 13 years since the vintage the nose is showing notes of roasted coffee, nuts, dried fruits and prunes. With 10 minutes the sweetness of the dried fruit is emerging with a toasted nut character. In the mouth...
by Ray Johnson | Jul 14, 2010 | Italy, Piemonte
Vietti, Barbera d’Asti, Tre Vigne 2007 In the nose you’ll find tar, licorice, black fruit and chocolate. In the mouth there is Barbera’s acidic trademark, yet with density of flavor throughout – very nice and very long. The grapes are sourced from...
by Ray Johnson | May 19, 2010 | Moscato d'Asti, Muscat, Piemonte, Sparkling sweet
La Caudrina, Moscato d’Asti 2009 This is a consistent wine, with a repeat of notes from the previous vintage: a lovely sense of orange blossoms in the nose while the mouth is sweet and ethereal – very nice. Estate bottled in Castiglione Tinella 5.5% purchased for...
