TasteWine

Ray Johnson’s Wine Blog

Chateau Gloria 2005

Posted in November 4th, 2009
by Ray in Bordeaux, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, France, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Saint-Julien

Chateau Gloria, Saint-Julien 2005 There’s a nice smoky essence in the nose while in the mouth you’ll find cranberries and dark chocolate. This wine is quite chewy and would certainly benefit from 6-8 years in the cellar. The estate is planted to 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 5% Cab Franc and 5% Petit Verdot. Mis [...]

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2004 Napa Bordeaux Blends

Posted in September 29th, 2009
by Ray in Bordeaux Style Blends, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Malbec, Merlot, Napa Valley, Petit Verdot, Stags Leap District

Franciscan, Napa Valley, Magnificat 2004 This wine exudes sweet ripe fruit in the nose. This profile follows through in the mouth with chalky tannins and lingering acidity. Produced and bottled in Rutherford 14.5% $50 at the winery for the latest vintage ‘05 Franciscan
Chimney Rock, Napa Valley, Elevage 2004 The nose features caramel and the sweet [...]

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Geyser Peak Reserve Alexandre 1999

Posted in April 24th, 2009
by Ray in Alexander Valley, Bordeaux Style Blends, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Malbec, Meritage, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Sonoma County

Geyser Peak, Alexander Valley, Reserve Alexandre, Meritage 1999 The nose is drying out yet there is quite a bit of chocolate to enjoy. The mouth has reached a rather astringent phase, drying out. The acidity is carrying some nice elements of dried cherry along but honestly this wine has gone over the hill at year [...]

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Throwing strikes on the hill

Posted in May 25th, 2008
by Ray in Alexander Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Sonoma County

Stryker Sonoma sits on a little hill with a broad view of the Alexander Valley. We recently visited with Jen Berman on the winemaking team and the Bordeaux varietals were top-notch. I thoroughly enjoyed the chocolaty Merlot and the supple and vanilla spiced Petit. As I’ve written before, Petit can have tannins that [...]

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Bordeaux Grapes in the New World

Posted in December 7th, 2007
by Ray in Australia, Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Margaret River, Merlot, New Zealand, Petit Verdot, South Australia, Western Australia

Wynns Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon 2004
Mild green elements add a nice complexity to the cherry fruit. This is a light-bodied Cabernet with a complementary level of acidity. All Cabernet aged in new and used French and US oak. Winemaker Sue Hodder 13.5% $12.99 at K&L Wynns
Pirramimma McLaren Vale Petit Verdot 2003
This wine is quite refined, showing [...]

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