Category Archives: Santa Maria Valley

The Wines of Silver Oak and Twomey

Posted on April 16, 2011 by Ray

We had an opportunity to take a deeper look at the wines of Silver Oak and Twomey in Oakville today. Below are notes on two of my favorites. Silver Oak, Alexander Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 The nose speaks of Cassis, … Continue reading →

Posted in Alexander Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Pinot Noir, Santa Barbara County, Santa Maria Valley, Sonoma County | Tagged | 1 Comment

California Chardonnay 2008

Posted on March 1, 2010 by Ray

Raymond, Napa Valley, Reserve, Chardonnay 2008 The nose features the smell of fresh oak, stone fruit and a bit of coconut and banana. In the mouth it is smooth and restrained, showing richness without thickness – an elegant Chardonnay. This … Continue reading →

Posted in California, Chardonnay, Napa Valley, Santa Barbara County, Santa Maria Valley | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Wines of the 2010 Pinot Noir Shootout

Posted on January 11, 2010 by Ray

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 … Continue reading →

Posted in Anderson Valley, Mendocino County, Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, Santa Barbara County, Santa Maria Valley, Sta. Rita Hills | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

Central Coast Pinot Stars

Posted on February 5, 2009 by Ray

Siduri, Sta. Rita Hills, Cargasacchi Vineyard, Pinot Noir 2007 The nose features lots of fresh, candied fruit. The mouth captures the same essence, fruit driven and ready to drink. P&B in Santa Rosa 14.1% $47.49 at Bottle Barn Siduri Wines … Continue reading →

Posted in Arroyo Grande Valley, California, Pinot Noir, San Luis Obispo County, Santa Barbara County, Santa Maria Valley, Sta. Rita Hills | Leave a comment

SB Pinot

Posted on July 14, 2008 by Ray

Flying Goat, Santa Maria Valley, Solomon Hills Vineyard, Pinot Noir 2005 Concentrated cherries, sweet oak in July 08. In February ’09, there’s some nice complexity as well, with the fruits stewing a bit – nice. Winemaker Norm Yost. P&B in … Continue reading →

Posted in California, Pinot Noir, Santa Barbara County, Santa Maria Valley, Sta. Rita Hills | Leave a comment

2 sides of dry part 3

Posted on June 25, 2008 by Ray

There’s a broad spectrum to what is considered dry white wine, as we see in these two examples from California. Kunde Estate Sonoma Valley Magnolia Lane Sauvignon Blanc 2007 This is an exciting wine of floral and citrus notes, high … Continue reading →

Posted in California, Chardonnay, Santa Barbara County, Santa Maria Valley, Sauvignon Blanc, Sonoma County, Sonoma Valley | Leave a comment

Califorinia Stars

Posted on October 19, 2007 by Ray

J. Wilkes Santa Barbara County Bien Nacido Vyds Pinot Blanc 2005 Clean, lime and candy like a Riesling, quite dry with perhaps a bit of warmth which disappearred with chilling, long flavor of lime Bot. in Sant Maria 14.1% $20 … Continue reading →

Posted in California, Carneros, Merlot, Napa Valley, Santa Barbara County, Santa Maria Valley | Leave a comment