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Falesco Vitiano 2005

by Ray Johnson | May 28, 2012 | Cabernet Sauvignon, Italy, Merlot, Sangiovese, Umbria

Falesco, Umbria IGT, Vitiano 2005 This wine is showing nicely at a point in its evolution over 6 years since the grapes were harvested. It is light-bodied as expected, as it was in bottles tasted early on. Yet what we have now is complexity beyond the primary fruit...

Red wines from France and Italy

by Ray Johnson | Mar 19, 2011 | Burgundy, Chianti, Chianti Classico, France, Italy, Marsannay, Pinot Noir, Sangiovese, Tuscany

Louis Latour, Marsannay, Rouge 2007 The nose displays earthiness and meatiness upon first opening with a bit of black fruit in the background. In the mouth it is quite hard at this point in time. Mis en bouteille a Beaune 13% purchased for $13.59 at Bottle Barn Maison...

Red wines across California and Europe

by Ray Johnson | Mar 19, 2011 | Amador County, Barbera, California, Carignane, Grenache, Priorat, Sangiovese, Spain

Noceto, Amador County,  Sangiovese 2008 The nose features fresh cherries and the sweet complexity of chery pie. In the mouth it is light-bodied and acidic with a little bit of grip. Produced and bottled by Suzy and Jim Gullett 14.2% purchased for $13.69 at Bottle Barn...

The wines of South Coast Winery

by Ray Johnson | Feb 23, 2011 | California, Pinot Gris and Grigio, Sangiovese, Sonoma Coast, Sparkling Lightly Sweet, Super Tuscan, Temecula

South Coast Winery, Temecula Valley, Pinot Grigio, Sparkling Wine nv The nose is quite aromatic, assertive in its fruity and floral characters. I was reminded of the vibrant aromas that I associate with top-notch Prosecco from the Veneto. It is quite a fine...

Isole e Olena Chianti Classico 2006

by Ray Johnson | Jul 26, 2010 | Chianti, Chianti Classico, Italy, Sangiovese, Tuscany

Isole e Olena, Chianti Classico 2006 Cherries and cranberries mark the nose with a touch of earth and smoke. In the mouth it is perfectly tart, light-bodied and ready to accompany roasted chicken. There’s long, lingering cherry flavor and acidity – nice....

Tuscany’s Wine Classics

by Ray Johnson | Jul 14, 2010 | Chianti, Chianti Classico, Italy, Montalcino, Sangiovese, Tuscany

Castello della Paneretta, Chianti Clasico 2006 The nose shows baked cherries and brown spices. In the mouth the cherry fruit is quite vibrant as is the acidity which matches it – nice.The grapes behind this wine are 90% Sangiovese and 10% Canaiolo. Estate...
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Wine Regions & Grapes

Sampling of Wineries

Acorn Allegrini Atlas Peak Balletto Blandy's Blue Wing Cafe Bodega Navarro Correas Bollinger Bonterra Burgans Cantina Terlano d'Arenberg Domaine Carneros Domaine de la Mordoree Dow's Dr. Loosen Elena Walch Famega Fonseca Foppiano Foxen Glen Ellen Innocent Bystander J. Keverson Korbel Madeira Wine Company Martin Codax Masi Merryvale Mulderbosch Navarro Vineyards Noceto Plantagenet Redwood Creek Reynoso Roederer Estate Sbragia Shed Horn Shooting Star Sonoma State Wine Business Institute St. James Trione Vietti Wildhurst William Fevre