Category Archives: Sonoma Valley

Viansa Reserve Chardonnay 2009

Posted on April 21, 2011 by Ray Johnson

Viansa, Carneros – Sonoma Valley, Reserve, Chardonnay 2009 This is a rich style of Chardonnay, with the smell of apple pie – think of the freshly baked crust sprinkled with brown spices. In the mouth the theme of richness continues … Continue reading →

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Little Vineyards Petite Sirah

Posted on July 10, 2010 by Ray Johnson

Little Vineyards, Sonoma Valley, Petite Sirah 2007 The nose smells sweetly of oak and jammy black fruits. In the mouth you’ll find a significant expression of tannin as is often the case with Petite with lots of black fruit to … Continue reading →

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Sonoma County Zinfandel 2007

Posted on April 23, 2010 by Ray Johnson

Wilson Winery, Dry Creek Valley, Tori Vineyard, Estate, Zinfandel 2007 The nose expresses sweetness, from the oak to the jammy fruit, with a dusting of black pepper. This then continues on the palate, with some structure to frame the black … Continue reading →

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Sbragia Monte Rosso Cabernet 2006

Posted on December 14, 2009 by Ray Johnson

Spragia Family Vineyards, Sonoma Valley, Monte Rosso Vineyard, Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 In the nose there is a blend of cedar, vanilla and black fruits. In the mouth there is a spot on integration of oak and fruit in a supple … Continue reading →

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Muscardini Rosato 2008

Posted on October 27, 2009 by Ray Johnson

Muscardini Cellars, Sonoma Valley, Monte Rosso Vineyards, Rosato di Sangiovese 2008 This is a zippy rose, a clean expression of Sangiovese’s cherry character with refreshing acidity – very nice. The wine was fermented and aged in neurtal French oak for … Continue reading →

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Sonoma County Harvest Fair 2009 sweet stars

Posted on October 10, 2009 by Ray Johnson

Hart’s Desire, Russian River Valley, Ponzo Vineyard, Late Harvest, Zinfandel 2008 The nose features candied black fruit. In the mouth it is a blackberry jam, in a liquid form – with an acidic streak for balance – delicious. 7% RS … Continue reading →

Posted in California, Dry Creek Valley, Late harvest red, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, Sonoma Valley, Zinfandel | 1 Comment

Sonoma County Harvest Fair 2009 white wine stars

Posted on October 10, 2009 by Ray Johnson

Taft Street, Russian River Valley, Pinot Gris 2008 The glass is filled with perfume and cotton candy – a very pretty Pinot Gris.  In the mouth it is moderately acidic and tastes of citrus overlaid with flowers. P&B in Sebastopol … Continue reading →

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Haywood Los Chamizal Zin 2006

Posted on May 22, 2009 by Ray Johnson

Haywood, Sonoma Valley, Los Chamizal Vineyard, Estate, Zinfandel 2006 The nose puts together many facets of Zin.  There’s pruniness, black pepper and a sense of Port. In the mouth, this is a structured Zin, supporting plenty of fruit and a … Continue reading →

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Bedrock Rose 2008

Posted on May 22, 2009 by Ray Johnson

Bedrock Wine Co., Sonoma Valley, Ode to Lulu, Rose of Mourvedre 2008 This is a broader style of rose reminiscent of the south of France with hints of brick to see a little added weight on the palate. The grapes … Continue reading →

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Canzona Cabernet 2005

Posted on April 28, 2009 by Ray Johnson

Canzona Vineyards, Sonoma Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 There are sweet smells of caramel and vanilla, bright cherry fruit, cassis and a hint of cigar box. The mouthfeel is supple. Certainly the structure of Cabernet is there to experience, but the … Continue reading →

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