by Ray Johnson | Apr 24, 2009 | Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, Zinfandel
Stryker Sonoma, Alexander Valley, Estate, Old Vines, Zinfandel 2006 The fruits are, fresh, stewed and jammy, all at the same time and dusted with black pepper. The mouth is vibrantly fruity with a little warmth and a touch of tannin. P&B in Geyserville 15.2% $26...
by Ray Johnson | Apr 24, 2009 | Alexander Valley, California, Sonoma County, Syrah
Wattle Creek, Alexander Valley, Shiraz 2005 The nose smells of oak, nuts and caramel over chocolate with a bit of spiritous character peeping through. The mouth is a supple expression of ripe black fruit and oakiness. P&B in Cloverdale 14.4% $30 at the winery...
by Ray Johnson | Apr 24, 2009 | Alexander Valley, California, Sonoma County, Syrah
Coyote Crest, Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, Estate Bottled, Syrah 2005 Unfortunately this wine is corked. Grown, Produced & Bottled in Healdsburg 15.9% $28 at the winery Coyote Crest Vineyards & Winery
by Ray Johnson | Apr 24, 2009 | Alexander Valley, California, Chardonnay, Sonoma County
Dutcher Crossing, Alexander Valley, Stuhlmuller Vineyard, Chardonnay 2007 There’s toasitness, nuttiness, fresh oak and bread dough in the nose. The mouth features fresh apples and vibrant acidity with oaky richness as an enhancement rather than a cover over the...
by Ray Johnson | Apr 22, 2009 | California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Valley, Zinfandel
Rosenblum Cellars, Sonoma Valley, Maggie’s Reserve Zinfandel 2005 This wine is very sweet smelling, with a sense of pastry dough dabbed with vanilla. The mouth is quite rich, full of sweet-appearing fruit – just luscious. Some of the vines that gave us the...
by Ray Johnson | Apr 17, 2009 | Alexander Valley, California, Sonoma County, Syrah
Palmeri, Alexander Valley, Van Ness Vineyard, Syrah 2004 This Syrah features meaty, gamey notes in the nose. In the mouth it’s a big wine, with plenty of structure and extract. Many Syrah have moved into a candy-like, no structure direction while this one shows...