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Gallo Family Vineyards, Sonoma Coast, Two Rock Vineyard, Chardonnay 2008

by Ray Johnson | Aug 22, 2011 | California, Chardonnay, Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County

The nose features minerality and golden delicious apples. In the mouth there is the vivacious flavor of Granny Smith apples and lots of acidity. At the same time the texture is thick, dense like a deep down comforter. The Two Rock Vineyard is located on the Cotati...

The wines of South Coast Winery

by Ray Johnson | Feb 23, 2011 | California, Pinot Gris and Grigio, Sangiovese, Sonoma Coast, Sparkling Lightly Sweet, Super Tuscan, Temecula

South Coast Winery, Temecula Valley, Pinot Grigio, Sparkling Wine nv The nose is quite aromatic, assertive in its fruity and floral characters. I was reminded of the vibrant aromas that I associate with top-notch Prosecco from the Veneto. It is quite a fine...

California Pinot Noir

by Ray Johnson | Dec 3, 2010 | California, Monterey County, Pinot Noir, Santa Barbara County, Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County, Sta. Rita Hills

Storrs, Monterey, Riverview Vineyard, Pinot Noir 2007 The nose features smoky and earthy notes to complement the red fruit. In the mouth the cherry sensation is enlivened by a healthy dose of acidity, making this a great match for roast pork tenderloin and cherry...

Cline Sonoma Coast Viognier 2008

by Ray Johnson | Apr 28, 2010 | California, Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County, Viognier

Cline, Sonoma Coast, Estate Grown, Viognier 2008 The peachy character of Viognier expresses itself in the nose. In the mouth you’ll find more of the same, with some palpable acidity and a little touch of creaminess – nice. Knowing how hot and weighty...

Gallo Estate Chardonnay 2005 take 2

by Ray Johnson | Nov 29, 2009 | California, Chardonnay, Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County

Ernest & Julio Gallo, Sonoma Coast, Estate, Chardonnay 2005 This wine is firing on all cylinders: the fruit, the acidity and the complexing agents of the winemaker.This is a wine that would make an aritisan in the village of Meursault quite proud, where richness...

Chronicle Pinot Noirs 2006

by Ray Johnson | Nov 21, 2009 | Anderson Valley, California, Mendocino County, Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County

Chronicle, Sonoma Coast, Pinot Noir 2006 The nose sports sweet cherry and raspberries, with vanilla and cinnamon. The mouth shows these fruits again in a sleek format, a texture that is silky and ripe – delicious. Think about this Pinot when you want one to...
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Wine Regions & Grapes

Sampling of Wineries

Acorn Allegrini Atlas Peak Balletto Blandy's Blue Wing Cafe Bodega Navarro Correas Bollinger Bonterra Burgans Cantina Terlano d'Arenberg Domaine Carneros Domaine de la Mordoree Dow's Dr. Loosen Elena Walch Famega Fonseca Foppiano Foxen Glen Ellen Innocent Bystander J. Keverson Korbel Madeira Wine Company Martin Codax Masi Merryvale Mulderbosch Navarro Vineyards Noceto Plantagenet Redwood Creek Reynoso Roederer Estate Sbragia Shed Horn Shooting Star Sonoma State Wine Business Institute St. James Trione Vietti Wildhurst William Fevre