by Ray Johnson | Sep 21, 2008 | California, Carignane, Dry Creek Valley, Mendocino County, Sangiovese, Sonoma County, Zinfandel
Fred Peterson has a winemaking resume to rival many. He’s been at some of California’s most famous estates, working in Monterey, the Santa Cruz Mountains and Sonoma County. Just over 20 years ago he took up the building of his own brand under his name....
by Ray Johnson | Sep 20, 2008 | California, Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County
Small Vines, Russian River Valley, Pinot Noir 2006 This is a wine of dense concentration from biodynamically farmed grapes. Upon first pouring the nose is quite tight so give it some time to open. The mouth is packed with red fruit flavors, framed by ample acidity and...
by Ray Johnson | Sep 20, 2008 | California, Dry Creek Valley, Sauvignon Blanc, Sonoma County
Dutcher Crossing, Dry Creek Valley, Sauvignon Blanc 2007 This Sauvignon smells of sweet and ripe tropical fruit. The fresh fruit continues on the palate where there is a softer, rounder feel than with many Sauvignon. Don’t get me wrong, I love an in-your-face,...
by Ray Johnson | Sep 18, 2008 | California, Dry Creek Valley, Merlot, Sonoma County
Downtown Healdsburg has become a destination for luxurious wine and food experiences. One of the venues in which to indulge, just off the square, is the tasting room of Williamson Wines. The beauty of the tasting that Bill and Dawn Williamson organize is the emphasis...
by Ray Johnson | Sep 15, 2008 | California, Chenin Blanc, Dry Creek Valley, Italy, Sauvignon Blanc, Sonoma County
Leo Steen Dry Creek Valley Saini Farms Chenin Blanc 2007 This wine was excellent in ’06 and even better this time around. There is the mineral nerve that we associate with Savennieres and the ripeness of fruit that we associate with California sunshine. You can...
by Ray Johnson | Sep 12, 2008 | California, Chardonnay, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County
Dutton Estate Every Friday through the end of September and most of October, Cynthia Newcomb at the Dutton Estate is creating a special dish to pair with one of the wines on offer in the tasting room. When I visited recently, she dazzled the guests with a Grilled...
