by Ray Johnson | Mar 28, 2013 | 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
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...
by Ray Johnson | Jun 8, 2010 | Cabernet Sauvignon, France, Grenache, Les Baux de Provence, Provence, Syrah
Domaine Hauvette, Les Baux de Provence 2004 The nose of the ’04 features fresh and dried fruits, floral notes and the herbs of the Provencal landscape. In the mouth you’ll find structure to marry with dinner and a bit of gamey horse blanket that suggests...
by Ray Johnson | Apr 28, 2010 | Cabernet Sauvignon, Provence, Syrah, Vin de Pays des Bouches du Rhone
Domaine de Trevallon, Vin de Pays des Bouches du Rhone 2006 As in the previous vintage, there is a New World ripeness to the fruit expressed in the nose, sweet and intense. In the mouth it is a tannic, mouth-gripping baby, yearning for a long sleep in the cellar....
by Ray Johnson | Feb 25, 2010 | Cabernet Sauvignon, Coteaux d'Aix en Provence, France, Provence, Syrah
I was fortunate to visit Chateau Vignelaure back in the 80s – was it ’84 or ’85? Some of my memories are fuzzy. The memory that isn’t fuzzy however, is that Vignelaure was a trend setter, planting Cabernet Sauvignon in Provence, despite the...
by Ray Johnson | Dec 27, 2009 | Clairette, France, Marsanne, Provence, Roussanne, Vin de Pays des Alpilles
Domaine Hauvette, Vin de Pays des Alpilles, Blanc de Blancs 2006 The nose features sweet floral notes with peaches, nectarines and a bit of poire eau-de-vie. In the mouth it is soft, lowish in acidity and very lush with a hint of the poire’s warmth in the...
by Ray Johnson | Oct 21, 2009 | Bandol, France, Mourvedre, Provence
Chateau de Pibarnon, Bandol 2005 The nose is quite spicy, borrowing both brown and green entries from the spice rack. In the mouth this wine is quite substantial, big in structure and acidity that drives the flavor for a long time. This is just a baby now – give...
