by Ray Johnson | Nov 18, 2009 | Penedes, Spain, Sparkling Dry
Segura Viudas, Cava, Estate Brut, Aria nv Unfortunately this wine is displaying chemical notes and an astringent grip – not nice. This is traditional method sparkling, fermented in the bottle opened and produced in Torrelavit 11.5% $8.99 at Bottle Barn Segura...
by Ray Johnson | Oct 10, 2009 | California, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Sonoma County, Sparkling Dry
Gloria Ferrer, Sonoma County, Brut nv The nose is ripe with apples which carries through on the palate. There’s a healthy dosage that combines with the fruit to create a sweeter sensation than you’ll see with some of the other bubblies labeled brut. The...
by Ray Johnson | Aug 13, 2009 | Champagne, Chardonnay, France, Pinot Noir, Sparkling Dry
Dom Perignon, Champagne 2000 The nose shows fresh stone fruit with a sense of fresh peach tarts, still warm from the oven. In the mouth there is the characteristic acidity, a taste of green apples yet enhanced by a lingering creaminess – quite elegant. The...
by Ray Johnson | Aug 11, 2009 | Anderson Valley, California, Chardonnay, Mendocino County, Pinot Noir, Sparkling Dry
Roederer Estate, Anderson Valley, L’Ermitage, Brut 2002 The nose opens with fresh biscuits, citrus and stone fruits, also calling to mind a freshly baked fruit tart. In the mouth this wine is very concentrated and full of the flavor of green apples in all of...
by Ray Johnson | Aug 11, 2009 | California, Carneros, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Sparkling Dry
Gloria Ferrer, Carneros, Vintage Reserve, Royal Cuvee, Brut 2002 Let this open up a bit and after 10 minutes the fruit will start to show. There are apples both red and green and refreshing acidity in this light-bodied sparkler. Tasted again in July ’10, the...
by Ray Johnson | Aug 11, 2009 | California, Chardonnay, Mendocino County, Napa Valley, Pinot Noir, Sonoma County, Sparkling Dry
Schramsberg, North Coast, Mirabelle, Brut Rose nv There’s a red-fruited sweetness in the nose, reminiscent of the cherries jubilee that I used to whip up table side back in the day. In the mouth the fruity theme continues with moderate acidity and a touch of...
