by Ray Johnson | May 14, 2010 | California, Chardonnay, Green Valley, North Coast, Pinot Noir, Sonoma County, Sparkling Dry
Schramsberg, North Coast, Blanc de Blancs Brut 2006 There are very pretty floral notes in the nose, with fresh pears and apples and a bit of bread dough. In the mouth the fruit continues with some pastry richness and the zip of green apples – very nice. 100%...
by Ray Johnson | May 5, 2010 | Anderson Valley, California, Mendocino County, Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County
Willowbrook, Russian River Valley, J.C.O. Limited, Estate Grown, Pinot Noir 2007 The nose is a very sweet expression of oak and ripe fruit. In the mouth, this Pinot is silky and warm, showing caramel over freshly baked cherry pie. Winemaker Joseph Otos. P&B in...
by Ray Johnson | May 5, 2010 | Burgundy, Chambolle-Musigny, Clos de Vougeot, Cote de Beaune, Cote de Nuits, Pinot Noir, Volnay
Domaine de Montille, Bourgogne 2007 There’s pretty raspberry fruit laced with brown spices in the nose. The mouth is quite concentrated, full of acidity with a whisper of tannin in the background. As with the 2005, lay this down for a few years. This is from the...
by Ray Johnson | Apr 29, 2010 | Oregon, Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley
Willamette Valley Vineyards, Willamette Valley – Oregon, Pinot Noir 2007 The smell of cherries and their expression in a freshly baked pie fill the glass. In the mouth the red fruits continue with an accent of oak and the texture is supple. This is an elegant Pinot...
by Ray Johnson | Apr 26, 2010 | California, Pinot Meunier, Pinot Noir, Sparkling Dry
Chandon, California, Blanc de Noirs nv This bubbly features cherries, both fresh and cooked, a little sweetness and a touch of bitterness. The grapes behind this wine are the classic black grapes from Champagne, viz., Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. Production is...
by Ray Johnson | Mar 2, 2010 | Alto Adige, Italy, Lagrein, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Noir
This region holds a particular place in my heart. Linda and I visited some of the top producers of the region this summer and hiked the magnificent mountains. This Tyrolean region is beyond picturesque and vies with Stellenbosch as the most beautiful wine region in...
