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 | Jul 7, 2012 | Champagne, Chardonnay, France, Pinot Noir, Sparkling Dry
Bollinger, Champagne, La Grande Annee, Brut 2000 The nose is nutty, featuring dried fruits, oranges with brown spices and a note of mushrooms sauteed in butter. In the mouth this vintage is elegant, with subtle orange and apple flavors, and long, lingering acidity....
by Ray Johnson | Jul 7, 2012 | Champagne, Chardonnay, France, Pinot Noir, Sparkling Dry
During a trip to Italy and Slovenia we had the opportunity to sample a number of delicious wines while in the care of BA. First up was a tasting of 2 bubblies in the lounge at Heathrow. Pol Roger, Champagne, Extra Cuvee de Reserve 1999 In the nose this Champagne is...
by Ray Johnson | Apr 19, 2012 | California, Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley
St. Rose, Russian River Valley, Nunes Vineyard, Ten Block, Pinot Noir 2009 The nose features cherries and raspberries – ebulliently fruity and graced with a touch a vanilla. In the mouth the theme of fresh Pinot fruit continues on a very silky texture. I think...
by Ray Johnson | Jun 7, 2011 | California, Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County
Balletto, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, Estate Bottled, Pinot Noir 2009 The nose features fresh strawberries and rhubarb with a bit of forest floor for complexity. In the mouth the fruit is fresh and vibrant, the body is light and the marriage with grilled...
by Ray Johnson | May 10, 2011 | California, High Valley, Lake County, Pinot Noir
Brassfield, High Valley Appellation, High Serenity Ranch Vineyard, Pinot Noir The nose sports fresh cherries and strawberries. In the mouth it is light-bodied, equally showy with red fruit and silky smooth – nice. Estate Grown, produced and bottled in Clearlake Oaks...
