by Ray Johnson | Nov 30, 2009 | California, Russian River Valley, Sauvignon Blanc, Sonoma County
Rancho Zabaco, Russian River, Reserve, Sauvignon Blanc 2007 There’s a nice spot of grassiness in the nose, with green peppers and grapefruit zest. In the mouth the grapefruit comes through with a nice level of refreshing acidity. Produced & bottled in...
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...
by Ray Johnson | Nov 22, 2009 | California, Chardonnay, Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County
Spragia Family Vineyards, Dry Creek Valley – Sonoma County, Home Ranch, Chardonnay 2007 This is a rich style of Chardonnay that strikes the balance between fruit, acidity, butteriness and oak. We always dissect these components in the classroom, looking at them...
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...
by Ray Johnson | Nov 16, 2009 | California, Pinot Noir, Rosé, Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County
Fort Ross, Sonoma Coast, Fort Ross Vineyard, Pinot Noir, Rose 2008 There are cherries and raspberries in the nose and the mouth is bone dry with a little warmth. P&B in Napa 14.2% purchased for $9.69 at Bottle Barn Fort Ross Vineyard
by Ray Johnson | Nov 15, 2009 | California, Merlot, Napa Valley, Sonoma County
Pride Mountain Vineyards, 56% Sonoma County, 44% Napa County, Merlot 2007 In the nose you’ll find tons of sweet oak and brown spices. In the mouth it is very smooth, suppleness defined, while at the same time very dense and possessing great length – very nice....
