Category Archives: Rutherford

California Cabernet and Bordeaux Blends

Posted on December 3, 2010 by Ray Johnson

Paul Hobbs, Oakville Napa Valley, Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard, Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 The sense of Cassis is quite vibrant in the nose. The vividness of the fruit continues in the mouth with the structure of Cabernet. You know it’s Cabernet … Continue reading →

Posted in Bordeaux Style Blends, Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Dry Creek Valley, Knights Valley, Merlot, Napa Valley, Oakville, Rutherford, Sonoma County | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Emblem Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon 2006

Posted on August 7, 2010 by Ray Johnson

Emblem, Napa Valley, Rutherford, Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 The sense of Cassis leaps out of the glass when you pour this wine – the fruit character ripe and concentrated. In the mouth the concentration of fruit continues, on a structured frame. … Continue reading →

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Napa Valley Cabernet 2005

Posted on March 1, 2010 by Ray Johnson

Kelleher, Oakville, Napa Valley, Brix Vineyard, Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 Toasty oak marks the nose along with Cassis. In the mouth this wine is supple and the oaky expression continues with a nice thread of acidity.The wine was aged in French … Continue reading →

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Napa Valley Rutherford Reds

Posted on November 20, 2009 by Ray Johnson

Trinchero Winery, Napa Valley, Rutherford, Chicken Ranch Vineyard, Merlot 2005 Give the wine a bit of air for 10 minutes or so to blow off a bit of funk. Then the plummy fruit combines with the wet forest floor and … Continue reading →

Posted in Bordeaux Style Blends, Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Meritage, Merlot, Napa Valley, Rutherford | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Napa Valley Wines

Posted on September 22, 2009 by Ray Johnson

Grgich Hills, Napa Valley, Estate Grown, Fume Blanc 2007 This wine is always ripping with acidity, tangy and bright and the same is certainly true today – yes! Sourced from biodynamically grown fruit grown in American Canyon and the Carneros, … Continue reading →

Posted in Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Carneros, Chardonnay, Diamond Mountain District, Howell Mountain, Mount Veeder, Napa Valley, Oak Knoll District, Pinot Noir, Rutherford, Sauvignon Blanc, Sauvignon Gris, Spring Mountain District, Stags Leap District | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Elyse Zin 2006

Posted on April 22, 2009 by Ray Johnson

Elyse, Napa Valley, Morisoli Vineyard, Zinfandel 2006 Brown spices jump out in the nose while the mouth is supple and densely fruity. The grapes are sourced from Morisoli in Rutherford, west of Highway 29 at the base of Mount St. … Continue reading →

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California heavyweights

Posted on July 21, 2008 by Ray Johnson

Some heavyweights are elegant on their feet, others draw lots of money in their direction and some are quite big. This post explores famous names and rising stars across the price spectrum. Quintessa, Rutherford Napa Valley, Red Wine 2004 There’s … Continue reading →

Posted in Bordeaux Style Blends, Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Mount Veeder, Napa Valley, Rutherford, Santa Cruz Mountains | Leave a comment

Bordeaux and her blends

Posted on July 11, 2008 by Ray Johnson

Chateau Sociando-Mallet Haut-Medoc 2005 Toasty oak, ripe tannins and black fruits – delicious. 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc from vines at an average 30 years old. Mis au chateau par Jean Gautreau in St. Seurin de … Continue reading →

Posted in Bordeaux, Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Haut-Medoc, Merlot, Napa Valley, Rutherford | Leave a comment