by Ray Johnson | Apr 21, 2011 | California, Carneros, Chardonnay, Sonoma County, Sonoma Valley
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 with butter and oaky...
by Ray Johnson | Jul 10, 2010 | Petite Sirah, Sonoma County, Sonoma Valley
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 keep up with it. Bring on the...
by Ray Johnson | Apr 23, 2010 | California, Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County, Sonoma Valley, Zinfandel
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 fruit flavors – ripe...
by Ray Johnson | Dec 14, 2009 | Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Valley
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 package, the structure of Cabernet behind...
by Ray Johnson | Oct 27, 2009 | California, Rosé, Sangiovese, Sonoma County, Sonoma Valley
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 5...
by Ray Johnson | Oct 10, 2009 | California, Dry Creek Valley, Late harvest red, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, Sonoma Valley, Zinfandel
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 after 35 degrees brix at...
