by Ray Johnson | Feb 22, 2010 | California, Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier, Pinot Noir, Sparkling Dry
Domaine Chandon, California, Brut, Classic nv Unfortunately this wine was corked. The aromatics are dampened and the mouth is astringent. A sense of the dosage is the only element coming through. I was concerned when I removed the foil from the top of the bottle. The...
by Ray Johnson | Feb 22, 2010 | California, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, Sparkling Dry
Korbel, Russian River Valley Champagne, Natural’ Méthode Champenoise 2007 In the nose you’ll find green apples and strawberries while in the mouth it is acidic, with a sense of apples that have been baked with brown sugar – nice. 65% Pinot Noir, 35%...
by Ray Johnson | Jan 13, 2010 | California, Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, Syrah
Trione, Russian River Valley, River Road Ranch, Pinot Noir 2008 In the nose you’ll find sweet red fruit with pastry notes, think cherry pie, warm and aromatic. In the mouth you’ll find a supple expression of that cherry pie, absolutely luscious. The fruit...
by Ray Johnson | Jan 11, 2010 | Anderson Valley, Mendocino County, Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, Santa Barbara County, Santa Maria Valley, Sta. Rita Hills
The final round of judging in the 2010 Pinot Noir Shootout was held today at Bistro Boudin on Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco. I was asked to join about 30 other judges to pick the best of the best from over 250 entries across the world. It was an easy day of...
by Ray Johnson | Nov 30, 2009 | California, Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County
Balletto, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, Estate Bottled, Pinot Noir 2007 Sweet, ripe fruit fills the glass, a blend of cherries and raspberries. In the mouth there is also a touch of caramel, light body, smooth texture and long acidity – perfect for...
by Ray Johnson | Nov 23, 2009 | Champagne, France, Pinot Noir, Sparkling Dry
S. Coquillette, Champagne, Grand Cru, Brut, Les Cles nv Give this some air to blow off the stinkiness then the complexity of baked apples emerges. In the mouth there is a soft profile, with lemony acidity and nice length. The grapes behind this Champagne are all Pinot...
