Ray Johnson’s Wine Blog

Clos du Marquis 2003

Posted in November 6th, 2008

by Ray in Bordeaux, Cabernet Sauvignon, France, Saint-Julien

Clos du Marquis, Saint-Julien 2003 There is vibrant sweet, black fruit in the nose. In the mouth you could swear this wine is from the New World. While the structure associated with Bordeaux is on stage in this wine, the fruit is vivacious and the tannins are quite ripe. This is the second wine of [...]

Bordeaux blends

Posted in April 30th, 2008

by Ray in Bordeaux, Bordeaux Style Blends, Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Napa Valley, Paso Robles, Saint-Julien

Justin Paso Robles Isosceles 2005
Lots of toasty oak and sour cherries with a thickness that lasts a long time. 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Cabernet Franc and 7% Merlot. GP&B in Paso Robles 14.6% $47.99 at Bottle Barn Justin
Chateau Leoville Las Cases Saint-Julien 2004
Earth and oak intertwine in a complex mix of smells. There [...]

Virginia and Bordeaux

Posted in April 22nd, 2008

by Ray in Bordeaux, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chassagne-Montrachet, Corbieres, Corvina, France, Kremstal, Saint-Julien

Jefferson and others in America’s early history admired the wines of Bordeaux and brought their passion to the early states. This line-up features a wine from the Virginia producer that so delighted us last week and a well-regarded fourth growth of Bordeaux.
Rappahannock Cellars Virginia Cabernet Franc 2006
There’s fresh red fruits and the herbaceousness and acidity [...]