Category Archives: Pinot Noir

Sonoma State Sensory Evaluation Workshop

Posted on March 28, 2013 by Ray

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

Bollinger La Grande Annee 2000

Posted on July 7, 2012 by Ray

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, … Continue reading →

Posted in Champagne, Chardonnay, France, Pinot Noir, Sparkling Dry | Tagged | Leave a comment

Wines of British Airways first class

Posted on July 7, 2012 by Ray

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, … Continue reading →

Posted in Champagne, Chardonnay, France, Pinot Noir, Sparkling Dry | Tagged , | Leave a comment

St. Rose Pinot Noir 2099

Posted on April 19, 2012 by Ray

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 … Continue reading →

Posted in California, Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley | Tagged | Leave a comment

Balletto Pinot Noir 2009

Posted on June 7, 2011 by Ray

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 … Continue reading →

Posted in California, Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County | Tagged | Leave a comment

Red Wines of Lake County

Posted on May 10, 2011 by Ray

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 … Continue reading →

Posted in California, High Valley, Lake County, Pinot Noir | Tagged , | Leave a comment

The Wines of Silver Oak and Twomey

Posted on April 16, 2011 by Ray

We had an opportunity to take a deeper look at the wines of Silver Oak and Twomey in Oakville today. Below are notes on two of my favorites. Silver Oak, Alexander Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 The nose speaks of Cassis, … Continue reading →

Posted in Alexander Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Pinot Noir, Santa Barbara County, Santa Maria Valley, Sonoma County | Tagged | 1 Comment

Red wines from France and Italy

Posted on March 19, 2011 by Ray

Louis Latour, Marsannay, Rouge 2007 The nose displays earthiness and meatiness upon first opening with a bit of black fruit in the background. In the mouth it is quite hard at this point in time. Mis en bouteille a Beaune … Continue reading →

Posted in Burgundy, Chianti, Chianti Classico, France, Italy, Marsannay, Pinot Noir, Sangiovese, Tuscany | Tagged , | Leave a comment

J. Keverson Pinot Noir 2008

Posted on January 19, 2011 by Ray

J. Keverson, Sonoma Mountain, Haas Family Vineyard, Pinot Noir 2008 I haven’t had the opportunity to visit this team’s Pinot since the ’06 vintage and I can tell you that the wines are still on form.  This Pinot Noir embodies … Continue reading →

Posted in California, Pinot Noir, Sonoma County, Sonoma Mountain | Tagged | 1 Comment

Rose 2009

Posted on January 8, 2011 by Ray

I was riffling through my wines today and spotted that I had left a few bottles of pink wine undrunk from the summer stash – time to get cracking! Villa Wolf, Pfalz, Pinot Noir, Rose 2009 The aromatics are muted … Continue reading →

Posted in California, Contra Costa County, Germany, Mourvedre, Pfalz, Pinot Noir, Rosé | Tagged , | Leave a comment