by Ray Johnson | Oct 5, 2009 | California, Chalk Hill, Chardonnay, Sonoma County
Chalk Hill Winery, Chalk Hill, Sonoma County, Estate Bottled, Chardonnay 2000 This is a toasty Chardonnay, with the oakiness enhanced by the nuttiness of time. In the mouth there is the full-on richness and thickness that is the house style yet the acidity is spot-on,...
by Ray Johnson | Oct 3, 2009 | Bennett Valley, California, Merlot, Sonoma County
Frostwatch, Bennett Valley, Sonoma County, Merlot 2006 Sweet toasty oak complements the plummy fruit in the nose. In the mouth this wine delivers ripe Merlot, with the tannins fully developed, a warm and plush texture and a toasty oak accent in the background. The...
by Ray Johnson | Sep 27, 2009 | Bennett Valley, California, Chardonnay, Sonoma County
Frostwatch, Bennett Valley, Sonoma County, Chardonnay 2007 The nose is complex and toasty with a sense of hazlenuts. In the mouth the fruits are tropical, like papaya and pineapple. This is a big-bodied Chardonnay with viscosity and buttery richness, as well as...
by Ray Johnson | Sep 23, 2009 | California, Sauvignon Blanc, Sonoma County
Sauvignon Republic, Russian River Valley, Sauvignon Blanc 2008 This has been a consistent winner and the current vintage features freshly mown grass and citrus. In the mouth there’s a zippy thread of acidity and the taste of fresh oranges – yum. The wine...
by Ray Johnson | Sep 17, 2009 | California, Chardonnay, Russian River Valley, Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County
DeLoach, Sonoma Coast, Golden Coast, Chardonnay 2007 The nose features plenty of fresh oak. In the mouth there is more of the same with green apples and warmth. The wine was barrel fermented and the lees were stirred. P&B in Santa Rosa 14.5% $45 at the winery....
by Ray Johnson | Sep 16, 2009 | California, Central Coast, Pinot Noir, Santa Lucia Highlands, Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County
MacMurray Ranch, Central Coast, Pinot Noir 2007 Give this wine a good 20 minutes of air and the perfume will come through in the nose, with candied fruit and floral notes. In the mouth this light-bodied wine has refreshing acidity with a nice glaze of sweet caramel. A...
