by Ray Johnson | Oct 24, 2008 | California, Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County
Small Vines, Sonoma Coast, Pinot Noir 2006 Like the Russian River bottling, this Pinot is packed with flavor. There’s a backbone of acidity to keep this wine going a long time in your mouth and a long time in your cellar – excellent.The source of the fruit...
by Ray Johnson | Oct 24, 2008 | California, Mendocino County, Pinot Noir, Yorkville Highlands
Bink, Yorkville Highlands, Weir Vineyard, Pinot Noir 2005 The nose is a bit closed right now but the mouth is vibrantly fruitly in a very supple framework. Winemaker Debbie Schatzlein 14.5% $40 at the winery, just 300 cases Bink
by Ray Johnson | Oct 23, 2008 | Champagne, Chardonnay, France, Pinot Noir
I had the opportunity to meet with two respected growers from Champagne at the WineWise and Terry Theise tasting today in San Francisco. Both are producers as well, crafting dynamite sparklers, each with their own house style. If forced to make a choice, I would take...
by Ray Johnson | Oct 18, 2008 | California, Carneros, Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County
Buena Vista, Carneros, Pinot Noir 2006 The nose is sweet vanilla while the mouth features red fruits, a light-body and vanilla sweetness. The fruit is sourced from the winery’s Ramal Vineyard. Produced in Sonoma and Bottled in Napa 13.5% $17.99 at Bottle Barn...
by Ray Johnson | Oct 18, 2008 | California, Dry Creek Valley, Pinot Noir, Sangiovese, Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County, Zinfandel
Taft Street, Sonoma Coast, Rose of Pinot Noir 2007 Mild but muted strawberries and an astringent profile. Unfortunately this wine has a sub-threshold level of TCA that’s blocking the fruit. The grapes come from the Pasta King, Art Ibletto. P&B in Sebastopol...
by Ray Johnson | Oct 17, 2008 | California, Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County
Lynmar, Russian River Valley, Rose of Pinot Noir 2007 Again, the pale side of Pinot is truly worth the departure from its more opaque cousin. Like the Williams Selyem, there is the quintessential smell and taste of strawberries. There is also a sense of creaminess...
