Category Archives: Sonoma County

Sonoma State Sensory Evaluation Workshop

Posted on March 28, 2013 by Ray Johnson

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 … Continue reading →

Posted in 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 | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Cyrus 1998

Posted on November 24, 2012 by Ray Johnson

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 … Continue reading →

Posted in Alexander Valley, Bordeaux Style Blends, Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Sonoma County | Tagged , | Leave a comment

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

Posted on August 22, 2011 by Ray Johnson

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 … Continue reading →

Posted in California, Chardonnay, Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County | Tagged | Leave a comment

Seghesio Barbera 2009

Posted on June 7, 2011 by Ray Johnson

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 … Continue reading →

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Balletto Pinot Noir 2009

Posted on June 7, 2011 by Ray Johnson

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 … Continue reading →

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Hanna Russian River Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2010

Posted on June 7, 2011 by Ray Johnson

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 … Continue reading →

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Viansa Reserve Chardonnay 2009

Posted on April 21, 2011 by Ray Johnson

Viansa, Carneros – Sonoma Valley, Reserve, Chardonnay 2009 This is a rich style of Chardonnay, with the smell of apple pie – think of the freshly baked crust sprinkled with brown spices. In the mouth the theme of richness continues … Continue reading →

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The Wines of Silver Oak and Twomey

Posted on April 16, 2011 by Ray Johnson

We had an opportunity to take a deeper look at the wines of Silver Oak and Twomey in Oakville today. Below are notes on two of my favorites. Silver Oak, Alexander Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 The nose speaks of Cassis, … Continue reading →

Posted in Alexander Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Pinot Noir, Santa Barbara County, Santa Maria Valley, Sonoma County | Tagged | 1 Comment

Reynoso Cabernet Sauvignon 2005

Posted on March 10, 2011 by Ray Johnson

Reynoso Family Vineyards, Alexander Valley, Estate Grown, Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 This is another immediately accessible Cabernet from the Reynoso family. They get texture right in the expression of suppleness that is at the same time balanced by the wine’s acidity. … Continue reading →

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J. Keverson Pinot Noir 2008

Posted on January 19, 2011 by Ray Johnson

J. Keverson, Sonoma Mountain, Haas Family Vineyard, Pinot Noir 2008 I haven’t had the opportunity to visit this team’s Pinot since the ’06 vintage and I can tell you that the wines are still on form.  This Pinot Noir embodies … Continue reading →

Posted in California, Pinot Noir, Sonoma County, Sonoma Mountain | Tagged | 1 Comment