by Ray Johnson | Jan 30, 2010 | Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, Zinfandel
Proprietor Mike Hengehold was on hand at ZAP today in San Francisco to showcase his Zin portfolio. He is sourcing fruit from vines that were planted in the Russian River long before I was born. The fruit hangs well into October yet achieves sugars of only 24 brix. Why...
by Ray Johnson | Jan 15, 2010 | Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Sonoma County, Spanish Blend, Zinfandel
Bodega Celdran, Sonoma County, Vinto Tinto, Reserva 2004 In the nose you’ll find read fruits and cedar with a bit of the sweet tobacco of Bordeaux. In the mouth the texture is supple, the fruit is ripe and an Old World sense of leather adds complexity –...
by Ray Johnson | Dec 8, 2009 | California, Sonoma County, Zinfandel
Ottimino, Sonoma County, Zinfinity, Zinfandel 2006 The nose features vanilla and caramel, with a bit of black fruit, cocoa and black pepper. In the mouth the fruit comes forward, a little jammy, in a light-bodied format, very supple and easy drinking. The fruit for...
by Ray Johnson | Nov 1, 2009 | Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Chardonnay, Napa Valley, Sangiovese, Sauvignon Blanc, St. Helena, Zinfandel
Appellation St. Helena hosted a tasting on Tuesday to show off the wines of the AVA. We discussed the recent vintages and tasted 48 wines, with a strong emphasis on Cabernet Sauvignon. Below is a baker’s dozen, the stars of the tasting – great Cabernet but...
by Ray Johnson | Oct 30, 2009 | California, Napa Valley, Zinfandel
Howell Mountain Vineyards, Napa Valley, Bear & Lion, Old Vine, Zinfandel 2006 The fruit in the nose has a very fresh grape juice quality with a note of blackberry liqueur. In the mouth the wine is jammy, soft and light with warmth underneath. Cellared and bottled...
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...
