Category Archives: Piemonte

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

Vietti Barbarera d’Asti 2008

Posted on November 17, 2010 by Ray Johnson

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 … Continue reading →

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Cascina Castle’t Moscato d’Asti 2008

Posted on August 7, 2010 by Ray Johnson

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 … Continue reading →

Posted in Italy, Muscat, Piemonte, Sparkling sweet | Tagged | 2 Comments

La Spinetta Barbaresco Starderi 1997

Posted on July 27, 2010 by Ray Johnson

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 … Continue reading →

Posted in Barbaresco, Italy, Nebbiolo, Piemonte | Tagged | 1 Comment

Red Wines of Piemonte

Posted on July 14, 2010 by Ray Johnson

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 … Continue reading →

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La Caudrina Moscato d’Asti 2009

Posted on May 19, 2010 by Ray Johnson

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 … Continue reading →

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Silvio Grasso Barolo Ciabot Manzoni 2004

Posted on April 23, 2010 by Ray Johnson

Silvio Grasso, Barolo, Ciabot Manzoni 2004 This is a very ripe Nebbiolo, giving a sense of New World fruitiness intertwined with new oak and traditional black licorice. In the mouth it is tannic for sure, yet not austere, actually approachable … Continue reading →

Posted in Barolo, Italy, Nebbiolo, Piemonte | Tagged | 1 Comment

Michele Chiarlo Barbera d’Asti 2007

Posted on April 19, 2010 by Ray Johnson

Michele Chiarlo, Barbera d’Asti, Superiore, Le Orme 2007 This vintage features a fair amount of black fruit interspersed with some horse blanket. In the mouth it is mildly oaky and rich, supple and sparked by acidity – nice. 13.5% $12.69 … Continue reading →

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Barbaresco and Barolo 2004

Posted on April 14, 2010 by Ray Johnson

Moccagatta, Barbaresco, Basarin 2004 The nose features plenty of black licorice and a blush of vanilla. In the mouth this young Barbaresco is approachable, with ripe yet present tannins – another winner from Moccagatta with great length. The grapes are … Continue reading →

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Vietti Barbera 2006

Posted on April 14, 2010 by Ray Johnson

Vietti, Barbera d’Alba, Tre Vigne 2006 This is Barbara with structure, quite formidable and begging for red meat. I swear that there is a compelling sense of black licorice and green herbs in this wine. The flavors carry for a … Continue reading →

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