by Ray Johnson | Apr 3, 2008 | California, Pinot Noir, Sonoma County
Last night in the UC California class, The Great Wines of Northern California, we sampled a stunning Pinot priced just shy of $15. Willowbrook, Sonoma County, Pinot Noir 2006 This wine exudes fruit in an elegant way, is framed by acidity and enhanced by an appropriate...
by Ray Johnson | Mar 6, 2008 | California, Champagne, France, Mendocino County, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, Sparkling Dry
Brut and Natural are words that we use to describe the final dosage or sweetness level of sparkling wine. In France, Natural, Brut Nature or any of the various proprietary names communicating the same, ranges from 0 to 6 g/l. Brut, the next level of increasing...
by Ray Johnson | Feb 12, 2008 | Bordeaux Style Blends, Chenin Blanc, Dry Creek Valley, Knights Valley, Sonoma County
Off the beaten track we find quality Chenin Blanc and Bordeaux-style blends. This Chenin displays minerality and nerve while the Alluvium is quite rich in its styling. Leo Steen Dry Creek Valley Saini Farms Chenin Blanc 2006 Sourced from vines just over 25 years old....
by Ray Johnson | Oct 19, 2007 | Australia, California, Clare Valley, New Zealand, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Sonoma County
This flight features 2 grapes, 3 wines and 3 countries. Oyster Bay Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2007 This is in-your-face Sauvignon with bell pepper and lots of acid. All stainless with some lees contact. 13% $9.49 at Bottle Barn Oyster Bay Annie’s Lane Clare...
by Ray Johnson | Oct 12, 2007 | California, Dry Creek Valley, Mendocino County, Napa Valley, Sonoma County, Zinfandel
Zin not only stands alone but is featured prominently in blends from budget to chic. Trentadue Sonoma County Old Patch Red 2005 Perceptibly sweet and slightly effervescent, 70% Zin, 20% Petite Sirah, 5.5% Carignane, 4.5% Syrah sourced from Alexander, Russian River and...
by Ray Johnson | Oct 11, 2007 | California, Gewurztraminer, Late Harvest White, Port, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, Zinfandel
Holdredge Russian River Valley Saralee’s Vineyard Late Harvest Gewurztraminer 2006 36.4 Brix at harvest and 10.2% RS, P&B Healdsburg 13.65% $26.99 at Bottle Barn (375ml) Holdgredge Davis Family Russian River Valley Rapport Fortified Old Vine Zinfandel...
