by Ray Johnson | Oct 11, 2007 | Alexander Valley, Burgundy, Carneros, Chardonnay, Chassagne-Montrachet, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County
This flight features 2 Best of Class Winners in the Fair. The first is the BOC Chardonnay under $20, which came up through our panel of judges. The third wine is the BOC Chardonnay above $20 that went on to take the sweeps. In between is a star from Burgundy for...
by Ray Johnson | Oct 11, 2007 | Blanc de Noirs, California, Sonoma County, Sparkling Dry
Gloria Ferrer Sonoma County Methode Champenoise Blanc de Noirs nv This is a perennial favorite in my classes. The silky, lowish acid profile combined with the dosage earns this wine many fans. 92% Pinot Noir and 8% Chardonnay, color from the addition of 5-7%...
by Ray Johnson | Oct 10, 2007 | California, Italy, Lombardia, Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County
After a flight of sparkling wines from Franciacorta, this round goes still. Ca’ del Bosco Terre di Franciacorta DOCG Maurizio Zanella 2005 This is a concentrated white wine with layers of flavor and lots of acidity to frame it. 80% Chardonnay, 20% Pinot Bianco,...
by Ray Johnson | Oct 10, 2007 | California, Cote-Rotie, Crozes-Hermitage, France, Rhône, Sonoma County
This flight features 3 Syrah from both sides of the Atlantic. Domaine des Entrefaux Crozes-Hermitage 2005 Black pepper and structure in a good value Northern Rhone Syrah. Charles & Francois Tardy a Chanos-Curson 12.5% $14.49 at Bottle Barn Lewis Cellars Sonoma...
by Ray Johnson | Oct 10, 2007 | Albariño, Dry Creek Valley, France, Grenache, Rhône, Santa Barbara County, Santa Ynez Valley, Sonoma County
The red wines from the Southern Rhone follow a recipe that emphasizes Grenache. The wines of this flight highlight this underdog grape. Unti Dry Creek Valley Grenache 2005 Pretty funky at first opening but after an hour, the smell improved to show the Grenache fruit....
by Ray Johnson | Oct 5, 2007 | Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County, Zinfandel
This flight features 3 dry Zins and one for dessert that were each big winners at the recent Harvest Fair in Sonoma County. Francis Ford Coppola Presents Dry Creek Valley Director’s Cut Zinfandel 2005 The clear favorite of the flight. This wine is loaded with...
