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 | May 8, 2012 | California, Chardonnay, Lake County, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc
Shannon Ridge, Lake County, Sauvignon Blanc 2010 Citrus is the theme throughout the nose and on the palate, crisp and refreshing. Fermented in stainless and bottled under a screwcap closure. Vinted and bottled in Geyserville 13.5% and available for $26 at the Blue...
by Ray Johnson | Apr 15, 2012 | California, Lake County, Mendocino County, Sauvignon Blanc
Bonterra, 58% Lake County, 42% Mendocino County, Sauvignon Blanc 2010 The nose is a full-on experience of citrus, as in a slice fresh grapefruit and a wedge of lemon. The flavors follow suit in the mouth with the zippiness that you would expect. This Sauvigon is crisp...
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 | May 25, 2011 | California, Sauvignon Blanc, South Coast, Sparkling Dry, Temecula
The team at VESTA joined today’s tasting of wines from Southern California. Ray’s sense of time zones (or lack of sense) led to us beginning at 4:00 p.m. Central Time, giving us the jump on the group tasting in Temecula. Here’s a preview of two of...
by Ray Johnson | Apr 18, 2011 | Australia, Margaret River, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Western Australia
Leeuwin Estate, Margaret River, Siblings 2009 This vintage has 62% Sauvignon Blanc and 38% Semillon in the mix. The nose features a combination of grass, citrus and gooseberry. In the mouth the citrus is pronounced, as if eating very ripe grapefruit sprinkled with...
