AV flight

by Ray Johnson | May 1, 2008 | Anderson Valley, California, Mendocino County, Pinot Noir

This flight features 3 Pinot Noir from Mendo’s Anderson Valley, ranging from a baby ’06 through a more mature ’02. Roessler Anderson Valley Bluejay Pinot Noir 2006 The last bottle of this wine was delicious though the acidity was quite sharp. Again...

Before there is wine, there is juice

by Ray Johnson | Apr 30, 2008 | California, Gewurztraminer, Mendocino County, Pinot Noir

Perhaps the next best thing to wine; anyone who has made wine knows how delicious this is. Yes, I’m talking about freshly crushed grape juice. Navarro has longed shared this specialty with the rest of the world and tonight we sample both. Not a drop of alcohol...

Focus on Central Otago

by Ray Johnson | Apr 24, 2008 | Central Otago, New Zealand, Pinot Noir

The second flight of Pinot tonight is drawn exclusively from the wine region of Central Otago. Mt. Difficulty Central Otago Pinot Noir 2006 Firm, gripping and marked by earthy and berry notes. P&B in Bannockburn 14.5% $28.99 at Bottle Barn Mt. Difficulty Aurum...

Southern Pinot

by Ray Johnson | Apr 24, 2008 | Madeira, Marlborough, Nelson, New Zealand, Pinot Noir, Waipara

2 flights of Pinot from New Zealand and here is number 1 Daniel Schuster Waipara Pinot Noir Selection 2006 Intense acidity marks this Pinot to drink with food today or lay down in the cellar. P&B in Waipara 14% $26.99 at Bottle Barn Daniel Schuster Saint Clair...

Great Pinot

by Ray Johnson | Apr 23, 2008 | California, Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, Santa Barbara County, Sonoma County, Sta. Rita Hills

Williams Selyem Russian River Valley Pinot Noir 2006 Winemaker Cabral can be modest as his Pinots do the talking, with a worldwide fan base. This wine is Pinot Perfection!, the essence of red fruits served on velvet. P&B in Healdsburg 14.3% 70 at Traverso’s...

A search for the most affordable Pinot

by Ray Johnson | Apr 17, 2008 | Italy, Pinot Noir

In the search for ever more affordable Pinot Noir, California producers are looking abroad. The 1.5 litre offering from Gallo’s Twin Valley line now sports an Italian origin. Gallo Twin Valley Provincia di Pavia Pinot Noir nv                                This...