by Ray Johnson | Mar 28, 2013 | Albariño, Alsace, Alto Adige, Andalucia, Barbera, Barbera d'Asti, Barolo, Bordeaux, California, Chardonnay, Cinsault, Dealcoholized, Fortified dessert, France, Gewurztraminer, Graves, Italy, Jerez, Madeira, Malmsey, Malvasia, Marlborough, Merlot, Napa County, Napa Valley, Nebbiolo, New Zealand, Palomino, Pessac-Leognan, Piemonte, Pinot Noir, Port, Portugal, Provence, Rosé, Russian River Valley, Sancerre, Sauternes, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Sherry, Sonoma County, South Africa, Spain, Tawny Port, Var, Vinho Verde, Western Cape
Staying ahead of flaws in the cellar and quantifying perceptual differences and consumer preferences are critical to a winery’s bottom line. Following our return from New Zealand, Sonoma State’s Wine Business Institute will partner with VESTA to again offer this...
by Ray Johnson | Mar 19, 2011 | Amador County, Barbera, California, Carignane, Grenache, Priorat, Sangiovese, Spain
Noceto, Amador County, Sangiovese 2008 The nose features fresh cherries and the sweet complexity of chery pie. In the mouth it is light-bodied and acidic with a little bit of grip. Produced and bottled by Suzy and Jim Gullett 14.2% purchased for $13.69 at Bottle Barn...
by Ray Johnson | Oct 13, 2010 | Andalucia, Fino, Palomino, Sherry, Spain
Gonzalez Byass, Jerez, Tio Pepe, Fine Muy Seco, Palomino, Fino, nv The nose features a nice sense of the traditional bruised apples, coupled with fresh apples and minerality. In addition there is nuttiness and spicy floral notes – very complex. In the mouth it is...
by Ray Johnson | Aug 1, 2010 | Rueda, Spain, Verdejo
Naia, Rueda, Verdejo 2008 Quite simply, this wine is delightfully refreshing, emphasizing fresh fruit and acidity. This is perhaps the 3rd or 4th vintage of the Naia Verdejo that I’ve tasted and the consistency is a hallmark – very nice. I’m only...
by Ray Johnson | Jul 21, 2010 | Spain, Tempranillo, Toro
Finca Sobreno, Toro 2005 This vintage is a nice step up from the previous. The nose shows a mix of fresh and cooked red fruits, with a sweet overlay of vanilla. In the mouth it is approachable and oaky with structure that is obvious but not overpowering. The acidity...
by Ray Johnson | Jul 21, 2010 | Spain, Tempranillo, Toro
Vetus, Toro 2005 There’s a definite sense of Port in the nose, combining liqueur-like berry essence and a bit of spirit. In the mouth the berry flavors are vibrant yet this wine is still quite tight and would benefit from a long sleep in the cellar. The grape...
