by Ray Johnson | Jul 1, 2008 | California, Sardon de Duero, Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County, Spain
Abadia Retuerta, Sardón de Duero, Seleccion Especial 2004 Herbaceous notes like in Cab Franc in the nose. The mouth is full-bodied with acid and ripe tannins at the time of the original post with an oaky backcurrent. A year later the tannins are drying out and...
by Ray Johnson | Jul 1, 2008 | California, Dry Creek Valley, Grenache, Sonoma County
Unti has been doing some great work with varieties beyond the mainstream. Unti Dry Creek Valley Grenache 2006 The 2005 vintage showed the fruit that Grenache can deliver. This vintage features a perfume like baby powder and candied fruit. In the mouth there’s...
by Ray Johnson | Jun 30, 2008 | California, Carneros, Napa Valley, Sonoma County, Sparkling Dry
Mumm Napa Napa Valley Devaux Ranch Methode Traditionnelle 2002 There’s lots of citrus with a hint of the zest and a touch of alcohol. The grapes are Chardonnay and Pinot Noir and the wine was aged 3 years on the lees. P&B in Rutherford 12.5% $30 at the...
by Ray Johnson | Jun 30, 2008 | California, Chardonnay, Green Valley, Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, Sparkling Dry
Domaine Chandon, Sonoma County 62%, Napa County 38%, etoile, Rose nv The house style is one of forward fruit and a soft profile. Likewise with this wine in a copper color and an added zip of acidity. The fruit source for this wine is 62% from Sonoma and 38% from Napa....
by Ray Johnson | Jun 25, 2008 | California, Dry Creek Valley, Mendocino County, Petite Sirah, Redwood Valley, Sonoma County, Zinfandel
Zin and Petite often work together, one behind the scenes of the other who gets the billing on the label. Claudia Springs Redwood Valley John Ricetti Vineyard Zinfandel 2005 There’s jammy fruit and a little warmth from the alcohol. Winemaker Bob Klindt. P&B...
by Ray Johnson | Jun 25, 2008 | California, Chardonnay, Santa Barbara County, Santa Maria Valley, Sauvignon Blanc, Sonoma County, Sonoma Valley
There’s a broad spectrum to what is considered dry white wine, as we see in these two examples from California. Kunde Estate Sonoma Valley Magnolia Lane Sauvignon Blanc 2007 This is an exciting wine of floral and citrus notes, high acidity and light body. G, P...
