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 | 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...
by Ray Johnson | Aug 7, 2010 | Bordeaux, France, Late Harvest White, Sauternes, Semillon
Chateau Suduiraut, Sauternes 1er Cru 2005 The nose features lots of honey, a bit of straw, tropical fruit notes and appropriate volatility. In the mouth it is thick and rich, lemony, tempered by acidity and reminiscent of a spoonful of creme caramel – yum. This...
by Ray Johnson | Jul 12, 2010 | Bordeaux, France, Late Harvest White, Semillon, White Dessert
Chateau Gravas, Sauternes 2008 The nose shows a nice sense of tropical fruit, honey and minerality. In the mouth you’ll find a light-bodied Sauternes, yet one that hits the profile, albeit without the concentration of the big guns – yet the price is...
by Ray Johnson | Jul 12, 2010 | Bordeaux, France, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon
Chateau Guiraud, Bordeaux Blanc Sec, Le G de Chateau Guiraud 2007 The nose features straw, minerality, lanolin and stone fruit. There’s an evolved complexity that shows already. In the mouth there is a nice thread of acidity with the richness of candied...
by Ray Johnson | Jun 10, 2010 | California, Napa Valley, Semillon
Semillon in California seems to have a bit of a Rodney Dangerfield image, playing second fiddle behind the more photogenic stars of the viticultural landscape. Yet in Australia’s Hunter and Bordeaux’s Sauternes, it is the star. I was delighted to find a...
