by Ray Johnson | May 8, 2009 | California, Rockpile, Sonoma County, Syrah
JC Cellars, Rockpile, Rockpile Vineyard, Haley’s Reserve, Syrah 2005 This is a sweet smelling Syrah, like candy with a little spike of spirit. The mouth is quite dense, with vanilla overlapping the fruit. The texture is plush and refined, displaying just a...
by Ray Johnson | May 8, 2009 | California, Chardonnay, Sonoma County, Sonoma Mountain
Kistler, Sonoma Mountain, Athearn Estate, McCrea Vineyard, Chardonnay 2006 The nose is full-on butter and bread dough with flinty notes, a sense of minerality. In the mouth the richness quadruples, with boatloads of butter and hints of lemon and green apple coming...
by Ray Johnson | May 8, 2009 | California, Green Valley, Pinot Noir, Sonoma County
Orogeny, Green Valley of Russian River, Pinot Noir 2006 The nose is brimming with sweet black fruit, liquer-like, maybe pie-like as well. The mouth features berries in a jammy way. The acidic frame balances the wine and drives the flavor for a long time – very...
by Ray Johnson | May 8, 2009 | California, Green Valley, Pinot Noir, Sonoma County
Iron Horse, Green Valley of Sonoma County, Estate, Pinot Noir 2006 The nose features plenty of cherries and a sense of the forest floor. In the mouth, the cherries repeat with some cola, warmth, tart acidity and a bit of astringent grip. Grown, Produced & Bottled...
by Ray Johnson | May 8, 2009 | California, Chalk Hill, Russian River Valley, Sauvignon Blanc, Sonoma County
Chalk Hill Estate Winery, Chalk Hill, Sonoma County, Estate Bottled, Sauvignon Blanc 2006 This wine is quite smoky and full of toasty notes. In the mouth, the impression is of richness, a wine that is quite viscous despite the suppression of malolactic fermentation....
by Ray Johnson | May 6, 2009 | Alexander Valley, California, Merlot, Sonoma County
Robert Young, Alexander Valley, Merlot 2005 California Merlot in which the fruit is alive and the acidity is not shy – now that is beautiful. A bit of leafiness and caramel complements the fruit, adding complexity. There’s a hint of tannin in ripe way and...
