by Ray Johnson | May 8, 2009 | California, Chalk Hill, Russian River Valley, Sauvignon Blanc, Sonoma County
Chalk Hill Estate Winery, Chalk Hill, Sonoma County, Estate Bottled, Sauvignon Blanc 2006 This wine is quite smoky and full of toasty notes. In the mouth, the impression is of richness, a wine that is quite viscous despite the suppression of malolactic fermentation....
by Ray Johnson | May 6, 2009 | California, Dry Creek Valley, Sauvignon Blanc, Sonoma County
Peterson, Dry Creek Valley, Timbercrest Farms, Sauvignon Blanc 2008 This wine is vibrant with citrus and accentuated by oakiness. The fermentation began in stainless. To add complexity the lees were stirred and the wine finished in French oak, 20% of which was new,...
by Ray Johnson | Apr 17, 2009 | California, Russian River Valley, Sauvignon Blanc, Sonoma County
Hanna, Russian River Valley, Estate Grown, Sauvignon Blanc 2008 Notes back through the 2004 vintage show a consistent thread of bright citrus and high acidity. The ’08 repeats that scenario with tropical notes as well. Give it a bit of air upon opening to blow...
by Ray Johnson | Apr 14, 2009 | Bordeaux, France, Late Harvest White, Sauternes, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, White Dessert
Chateau Gravas, Sauternes 2005 The nose features honey, flowers and minerality with an appropriate amount of volatility. In the mouth, the honey-essence and caramel are there in a light-bodied format with a touch of spiritous character. Previously I wrote: This wine...
by Ray Johnson | Apr 14, 2009 | France, Loire Valley, Sancerre, Sauvignon Blanc
Domaine André Vatan, Sancerre, Les Charmes 2007 The style point has always been lean and green, offering a sense of the appellation without the over $20 price of the more concentrated offerings. This vintage sports minerality, pipi de chat and grass in the nose. The...
by Ray Johnson | Jan 29, 2009 | Bordeaux, France, Late Harvest White, Sauternes, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, White Dessert
Chateau Guiraud, Sauternes 2005 Minerality, honey and tropical fruits mark the nose. The mouth is all caramel with hints of that minerality – destined to be drunk with creme caramel. 85 hectares are planted to 65% Semillon and 35% Sauvignon Blanc; the vines...
