by Ray Johnson | Apr 21, 2011 | California, Carneros, Chardonnay, Sonoma County, Sonoma Valley
Viansa, Carneros – Sonoma Valley, Reserve, Chardonnay 2009 This is a rich style of Chardonnay, with the smell of apple pie – think of the freshly baked crust sprinkled with brown spices. In the mouth the theme of richness continues with butter and oaky...
by Ray Johnson | Apr 16, 2011 | Alexander Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Pinot Noir, Santa Barbara County, Santa Maria Valley, Sonoma County
We had an opportunity to take a deeper look at the wines of Silver Oak and Twomey in Oakville today. Below are notes on two of my favorites. Silver Oak, Alexander Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 The nose speaks of Cassis, vanilla, lots of caramel – a strong...
by Ray Johnson | Mar 10, 2011 | Alexander Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Sonoma County
Reynoso Family Vineyards, Alexander Valley, Estate Grown, Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 This is another immediately accessible Cabernet from the Reynoso family. They get texture right in the expression of suppleness that is at the same time balanced by the wine’s...
by Ray Johnson | Jan 19, 2011 | California, Pinot Noir, Sonoma County, Sonoma Mountain
J. Keverson, Sonoma Mountain, Haas Family Vineyard, Pinot Noir 2008 I haven’t had the opportunity to visit this team’s Pinot since the ’06 vintage and I can tell you that the wines are still on form. This Pinot Noir embodies fresh cherries with a...
by Ray Johnson | Dec 23, 2010 | California, Dry Creek Valley, Sauvignon Blanc, Sonoma County
Quivira, Dry Creek Valley, Fig Tree Vineyard, Sauvignon Blanc 2009 This is a vivacious Sauvignon, a lively expression of citrus, crisp and refreshing. The vineyard takes its name from the 130-year old Mission fig tree on the property, near the confluence of Dry Creek...
by Ray Johnson | Dec 18, 2010 | Alexander Valley, California, Sauvignon Blanc, Sonoma County
Reynoso Family Vineyards, Alexander Valley, Estate Grown, Sauvignon Blanc 2009 The fruit character of this wine speaks of citrus with riper, tropical notes as well. In the mouth, the acidity has a softer profile than many Sauvignon and the fruit is freshly expressed....
