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 | Nov 24, 2012 | Alexander Valley, Bordeaux Style Blends, Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Sonoma County
Alexander Valley Vineyards, Cyrus 1998 14 years on this wine is looking youthful in the glass, with hues of red and just a hint of orange at the edge. In the nose an oaky expression entices with an expectation of richness. On the palate the wine is supple, a swatch...
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...
by Ray Johnson | Jun 7, 2011 | Alexander Valley, Barbera, California, Sonoma County
Seghesio, Alexander Valley, Barbera 2009 This wine always exudes a sweetness in nose, displaying its ripe fruit and oaky accents. In the mouth it is supple and rich, with a viscosity not often seen in Barbera – very decadent. This has been a consistently ripe...
by Ray Johnson | Jun 7, 2011 | California, Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County
Balletto, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, Estate Bottled, Pinot Noir 2009 The nose features fresh strawberries and rhubarb with a bit of forest floor for complexity. In the mouth the fruit is fresh and vibrant, the body is light and the marriage with grilled...
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...
