by Ray Johnson | May 22, 2009 | California, Russian River Valley, Sauvignon Blanc, Sonoma County
Benziger, Russian River Valley, Shone Farm, Sauvignon Blanc 2006 There’s a pleasant grassiness to this wine with plenty of citrus. In the mouth it is bone-dry and very concentrated. This bottle that we’re tasting tonight has evolved a little prematurely....
by Ray Johnson | May 20, 2009 | California, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, Sparkling Dry
Korbel, Russian River Valley Champagne, Natural’ Méthode Champenoise 2006 As in previous vintages, there’s a nice sense of green apples through and through, making this arguably Korbel’s best and most refreshing sparkler. 70% Pinot Noir, 30% Chardonnay;...
by Ray Johnson | May 15, 2009 | Bordeaux Style Blends, Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Knights Valley, Merlot, Sonoma County
Peter Michael Winery, Knights Valley, L’Esprit des Pavots 2005 There’s chocolate, oak, leather and Cassis in the nose. In the mouth this wine is quite structured, with great depth of flavor, a sense of glycerine adding to the viscosity while at the same...
by Ray Johnson | May 15, 2009 | Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Knights Valley, Sonoma County
Speedy Creek, Knights Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 This is a very rustic style of Cabernet with a good whiff of the horse, herbaceous notes and a chewy texture. Proprietors the Burton family. P&B in Geyserville 14.9% $25.99 at Bottle Barn Speedy Creek...
by Ray Johnson | May 15, 2009 | California, Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County, Zinfandel
Annapolis Winery, Sonoma Coast, Zinfandel 2005 This is a very jammy Zin. Proprietors are the Scalabrini family. P&B in Annapolis 16.6% $26 at the winery Annapolis Winery
by Ray Johnson | May 15, 2009 | California, Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County
Hirsch Vineyards, Sonoma Coast, Pinot Noir 2006 There’s lots of sweet vanilla, loads of oak. This is very ripe, the essence of berries in the mouth with a supple texture. P&B in Cazadero 14.5% $59.99 at Bottle Barn Hirsch Vineyards
