Category Archives: Spain

Sonoma State Sensory Evaluation Workshop

Posted on March 28, 2013 by Ray Johnson

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 … Continue reading →

Posted in 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 | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Red wines across California and Europe

Posted on March 19, 2011 by Ray Johnson

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% … Continue reading →

Posted in Amador County, Barbera, California, Carignane, Grenache, Priorat, Sangiovese, Spain | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Gonzalez Byass Tio Pepe

Posted on October 13, 2010 by Ray Johnson

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. … Continue reading →

Posted in Andalucia, Fino, Palomino, Sherry, Spain | Tagged , | 3 Comments

Naia Verdejo 2008

Posted on August 1, 2010 by Ray Johnson

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. … Continue reading →

Posted in Rueda, Spain, Verdejo | Leave a comment

Finca Sobreno Toro 2005

Posted on July 21, 2010 by Ray Johnson

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 … Continue reading →

Posted in Spain, Tempranillo, Toro | Leave a comment

Vetus 2005

Posted on July 21, 2010 by Ray Johnson

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 … Continue reading →

Posted in Spain, Tempranillo, Toro | Tagged | Leave a comment

Mas Doix Salanques 2006

Posted on July 21, 2010 by Ray Johnson

Celler Mas Doix, Priorat, Salanques 2006 The nose greets you with a fair waft of oak, sweet with jammy fruit and brown spices. In the mouth this wine is dense yet supple, with ripe tannins and lots of jammy black … Continue reading →

Posted in Carignane, Grenache, Priorat, Spain | Leave a comment

Martin Codax Albarino 2009

Posted on June 28, 2010 by Ray Johnson

Martin Codax, Rias Baixas, Albarino 2009 The nose features hay and lime with a hint of roses. In the mouth it is clean and crisp, sporting minerality combined with citrus. This vintage captures the crisp and refreshing character that I … Continue reading →

Posted in Albariño, Galicia, Rias Baixas, Spain | Tagged | 1 Comment

R. Lopez de Heredia Rioja 2003

Posted on May 7, 2010 by Ray Johnson

R. Lopez de Heredia, Rioja, Crianza, Viña Cubillo 2003 The smell of this wine pulls me in – there’s a complex mix spices, leather, stewed cherries and raisins. In the mouth the acidity that I associate with Rioja is evident, … Continue reading →

Posted in Grenache, Rioja, Spain, Tempranillo | Tagged | 2 Comments

Alto Moncayo 2007

Posted on April 21, 2010 by Ray Johnson

Bodegas Alto Moncayo, Campo De Borja 2007 This wine smells like dessert personified, with vanilla, cherries and pastry dough. In the mouth it is soft and fruity, quite rich and laden with oak, as it has been consistently over the … Continue reading →

Posted in Campo De Borja, Grenache, Spain | Tagged | Leave a comment