by Ray Johnson | Sep 15, 2009 | California, Carneros, Marsanne, Roussanne, Sonoma County
Cline, Carneros, 85% Marsanne 15% Roussanne 2007 The stone fruits come through in the nose with a dusting of minerality. In the mouth the acidity shines against the backdrop of stones, making this a leaner, almost Old World approach; there’s ample concentration...
by Ray Johnson | Sep 15, 2009 | California, Pinot Gris and Grigio, Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County
Mayo Family Winery, Sonoma Coast, Balletto Vineyards, Unwooded, Courtney’s Cuvee, Pinot Gris 2007 Unfortunately this wine is corked masking the potential of the wine in the bottle. The wine was fermented and aged in stainless. Winemaker Michel Berthoud. P&B...
by Ray Johnson | Aug 29, 2009 | California, Chardonnay, Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County
La Crema, Sonoma Coast, Chardonnay 2007 In the nose there’s a sense of biscuits, croissants and other freshly baked doughy things with hints of oak and vanilla. In the mouth this wine is rich with oak yet the apples and pears come through, showing a sensible...
by Ray Johnson | Aug 11, 2009 | California, Chardonnay, Mendocino County, Napa Valley, Pinot Noir, Sonoma County, Sparkling Dry
Schramsberg, North Coast, Mirabelle, Brut Rose nv There’s a red-fruited sweetness in the nose, reminiscent of the cherries jubilee that I used to whip up table side back in the day. In the mouth the fruity theme continues with moderate acidity and a touch of...
by Ray Johnson | Jul 27, 2009 | California, Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County, Syrah
Provisor, Dry Creek Valley, Syrah 2002 This wine, almost 7 years on is showing quite nicely, with dried fruits and a supple texture. The wine was aged in new and older French oak for 16 months. This was the first vintage of Syrah from proprietors Susan and Doug...
by Ray Johnson | Jul 24, 2009 | California, Pinot Gris and Grigio, Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County
MacMurray Ranch, Sonoma Coast, Pinot Gris 2008 In the nose there is a strong sense of candied fruit with a light dusting of green herbs. In the mouth the stone fruit comes alive with a little warmth in a medium weight wine – lighter than many from Alsace and...
