by Ray Johnson | Dec 3, 2010 | California, Monterey County, Pinot Noir, Santa Barbara County, Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County, Sta. Rita Hills
Storrs, Monterey, Riverview Vineyard, Pinot Noir 2007 The nose features smoky and earthy notes to complement the red fruit. In the mouth the cherry sensation is enlivened by a healthy dose of acidity, making this a great match for roast pork tenderloin and cherry...
by Ray Johnson | Jan 11, 2010 | Anderson Valley, Mendocino County, Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, Santa Barbara County, Santa Maria Valley, Sta. Rita Hills
The final round of judging in the 2010 Pinot Noir Shootout was held today at Bistro Boudin on Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco. I was asked to join about 30 other judges to pick the best of the best from over 250 entries across the world. It was an easy day of...
by Ray Johnson | Mar 13, 2009 | Bourgogne Hautes-Cotes de Nuits, Burgundy, California, Pinot Noir, Santa Barbara County, Sta. Rita Hills
Foley, Sta. Rita Hills, Rancho Santa Rosa, Pinot Noir 2007 There is ripe candied fruit in the nose while the mouth is supple and elegant with oak working in a supportive role in the backgound. P&B in Lompoc 14.3% $35.99 at the Wine Merchant Foley Jayer-Gilles,...
by Ray Johnson | Feb 5, 2009 | Arroyo Grande Valley, California, Pinot Noir, San Luis Obispo County, Santa Barbara County, Santa Maria Valley, Sta. Rita Hills
Siduri, Sta. Rita Hills, Cargasacchi Vineyard, Pinot Noir 2007 The nose features lots of fresh, candied fruit. The mouth captures the same essence, fruit driven and ready to drink. P&B in Santa Rosa 14.1% $47.49 at Bottle Barn Siduri Wines Laetitia, Arroyo Grande...
by Ray Johnson | Nov 7, 2008 | California, Pinot Noir, Santa Barbara County, Sta. Rita Hills
Lincourt, Santa Barbara County, Pinot Noir 2006 There’s cooked fruit, cherries and plums that you might warm through for topping your ice cream. The palate shows the follow-on in the mouth in a supple format. This wine is a compilation of fruit from the Santa...
by Ray Johnson | Aug 21, 2008 | California, Carneros, Napa Valley, Pinot Noir, Santa Barbara County, Sta. Rita Hills
Artesa, Carneros, Estate Reserve, Pinot Noir 2006 Artesa has been making some great wines and has shown greater success with their still wine program. This is a light-bodied, red fruit expression of Pinot with the warmth of alcohol. Winemaker David Dobson. P&B in...