by Ray Johnson | Apr 16, 2011 | Alexander Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Pinot Noir, Santa Barbara County, Santa Maria Valley, Sonoma County
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, vanilla, lots of caramel – a strong...
by Ray Johnson | Mar 1, 2010 | California, Chardonnay, Napa Valley, Santa Barbara County, Santa Maria Valley
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 wine was fermented in...
by Ray Johnson | Jan 11, 2010 | Anderson Valley, Mendocino County, Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, Santa Barbara County, Santa Maria Valley, Sta. Rita Hills
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 over 250 entries across the world. It was an easy day of...
by Ray Johnson | Feb 5, 2009 | Arroyo Grande Valley, California, Pinot Noir, San Luis Obispo County, Santa Barbara County, Santa Maria Valley, Sta. Rita Hills
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 Laetitia, Arroyo Grande...
by Ray Johnson | Jul 14, 2008 | California, Pinot Noir, Santa Barbara County, Santa Maria Valley, Sta. Rita Hills
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 Lompoc...
by Ray Johnson | Jun 25, 2008 | California, Chardonnay, Santa Barbara County, Santa Maria Valley, Sauvignon Blanc, Sonoma County, Sonoma Valley
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 acidity and light body. G, P...
