TasteWine

Ray Johnson’s Wine Blog

Rhone grapes here and there

Posted in April 25th, 2008
by Ray in Bandol, California, Central Coast, Cotes du Rhone, France, Grenache, Mourvedre, Uncategorized

Les Restanques de Pibarnon Bandol 2003
This is a good value offering from Pibarnon, showing ripe fruit overlaid with ripe tannins. This wine gets better each time I taste it. The complexity is there and the edges are softening when tasted August 27, 2008. Tasted again at the end of April ‘09, the wine is evolving [...]

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Break out the saddle

Posted in April 25th, 2008
by Ray in California, Central Coast, Syrah, Uncategorized

Bridlewood Central Coast Winner’s Circle Selection “Blue Roan” Syrah 2004
Just a few evenings ago we tasted another of the Winner’s Circle Selection Syrah and it was true to the the house style showing lots of oak essence wound into a dense palate with ripe tannins; it was a class favorite. The Blue Roan tonight was [...]

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Wisconsin Delight

Posted in October 31st, 2007
by Ray in Uncategorized

Wollersheim Winery American Seyval Semi-Dry Prairie Fume 2006
This smells of citrus, in particular lime with a candied element.  It’s very clean and bottled under Stelvin so no risk of cork taint. In the mouth is a lovely sweet-tart character with moderate concentration.  Very nice indeed. P&B in Prairie du Sac Wisconsin 10% $8.00 at the [...]

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Welcome to France

Posted in October 18th, 2007
by Ray in Bordeaux, Burgundy, Chablis, Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Entre-Deux-Mers, France, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Uncategorized, Vouvray

This flight features 3 whites and offers an opportunity to contrast acid levels, weight and residual sugar.
Chateau Sainte-Marie Entre-Deux-Mers Vielles Vignes 2005
Of the 2004 I noted a perfect balance of the grapes used and a great value. This 2005 bottle was losing its vibrancy and becoming alcoholic. Perhaps the stelvin was not forming a complete [...]

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