by Ray Johnson | Oct 10, 2009 | Alexander Valley, Bordeaux Style Blends, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Dry Creek Valley, Malbec, Merlot, Sonoma County
Spragia Family Vineyards, Dry Creek Valley, Home Ranch, Merlot 2006 The nose features a strong blast of fresh oak. In the mouth that note carries through, with plummy fruit, a little warmth and a supple texture. V&B in St. Helena 15.6% $19.99 at Bottle Barn...
by Ray Johnson | Oct 10, 2009 | California, Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County
The Davis Family brand has stood for great Pinot and you see that in the latest crop of wines which garnered honors at this year’s Harvest Fair in Sonoma. Davis Family, Russian River Valley, Pinot Noir 2007 Sweet caramel combines with raspberries in the nose. In...
by Ray Johnson | Oct 10, 2009 | California, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris and Grigio, Sonoma County, Sonoma Valley
Taft Street, Russian River Valley, Pinot Gris 2008 The glass is filled with perfume and cotton candy – a very pretty Pinot Gris. In the mouth it is moderately acidic and tastes of citrus overlaid with flowers. P&B in Sebastopol 14.1% $11.99 at Bottle Barn...
by Ray Johnson | Oct 10, 2009 | California, Sauvignon Blanc, Sonoma County
Owl Ridge, Sonoma County, Sauvignon Blanc 2008 This was of course the big winner at the Harvest Fair in 2009, the White Sweepstake winner. There’s a nice combo of fresh fruit and the herbacesous side of SB in this wine. In the mouth it is crisp, yet not austere,...
by Ray Johnson | Oct 10, 2009 | California, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Sonoma County, Sparkling Dry
Gloria Ferrer, Sonoma County, Brut nv The nose is ripe with apples which carries through on the palate. There’s a healthy dosage that combines with the fruit to create a sweeter sensation than you’ll see with some of the other bubblies labeled brut. The...
by Ray Johnson | Oct 7, 2009 | Alexander Valley, California, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, Zinfandel
J. Keverson, Russian River Valley, Alton Lane Vineyard, Zinfandel 2007 The fruit is very bright in the nose and graced by a healthy dose of black pepper. In the mouth the fruit is framed by acidity. This is one of the great things about a number of Russian River Zins...
