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 | Apr 19, 2012 | California, Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley
St. Rose, Russian River Valley, Nunes Vineyard, Ten Block, Pinot Noir 2009 The nose features cherries and raspberries – ebulliently fruity and graced with a touch a vanilla. In the mouth the theme of fresh Pinot fruit continues on a very silky texture. I think...
by Ray Johnson | Jun 7, 2011 | California, Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County
Balletto, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, Estate Bottled, Pinot Noir 2009 The nose features fresh strawberries and rhubarb with a bit of forest floor for complexity. In the mouth the fruit is fresh and vibrant, the body is light and the marriage with grilled...
by Ray Johnson | Jun 7, 2011 | California, Russian River Valley, Sauvignon Blanc, Sonoma County
Hanna, Russian River Valley, Estate Grown, Sauvignon Blanc 2010 Notes back through the 2004 vintage show a consistent thread of bright citrus and high acidity. The latest release, 2010, couples the citrus with freshly cut grass as in the ’09. A bit of...
by Ray Johnson | Dec 5, 2010 | California, Chardonnay, Russian River Valley, Sauvignon Blanc, Sonoma County
Shone Farm, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, Block Seven, Estate Grown, Sauvignon Blanc 2009 The nose features the textbook essence of grapefruit while the palate displays a rounder, viscous character that will delight those looking for a softer approach to...
by Ray Johnson | Dec 3, 2010 | California, Dry Creek Valley, Napa Valley, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, Zinfandel
Stryker Sonoma, Dry Creek Valley, Zinfandel 2007 Tim Hardin hits another home run with this opulently fruity, sweet-smelling Zin. In the mouth the theme continues, with a lush texture and a little warmth. Produced and bottled under a screw cap closure in Geyserville...
