Monthly Archives: November 2007

Serious Syrah

Posted on November 30, 2007 by Ray Johnson

d’Arenberg McLaren Vale The Dead Arm Shiraz 2005 In the nose there is vibrant fruit enhanced by earth and complementary oak. There’s a mouthful of dense fruit as well to keep up with a big structure in this youthful Shiraz … Continue reading →

Posted in Australia, Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, South Australia, Syrah | Leave a comment

Animals on the Rhone

Posted on November 30, 2007 by Ray Johnson

Clarendon Hills Clarendon Kangarilla Grenache 2004 Vibrant black fruit, actually liquer-like in the nose. The palate is spiritous, ripe, framed with acidity around a vast expanse of fruitiness. Sourced from old Grenache vines in the Kangarilla Vineyard. P&B in Blewitt … Continue reading →

Posted in Australia, Barossa Valley, Grenache, McLaren Vale, Rhone Blend, South Australia | Leave a comment

The Refreshing Side of the McLaren Vale

Posted on November 30, 2007 by Ray Johnson

Yangarra McLaren Vale Single Vineyard Roussanne 2007 Pretty floral notes with bits of herbs. The mouth is full of citrus with a light body and some refreshing acidity. V&B in McLaren Vale 13% import sample Yangarra McLaren Vale Single Vineyard … Continue reading →

Posted in Australia, Grenache, Marsanne, McLaren Vale, Rhone Blend, Rosé, Roussanne, Syrah, Viognier | Leave a comment

Muscat Love?

Posted on November 29, 2007 by Ray Johnson

Domaine des Bernardins Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise 2005 Quite complex with apparent alcohol. 100% Muscat Blanc a Petits Grains. Mis par Cave Castaud in Beaumes-de-Venise 15% $12.99 (375ml) at Bottle Barn

Posted in France, Muscat, Muscat Beaumes de Venise, Rhône | Leave a comment

Baby Beaucastel

Posted on November 29, 2007 by Ray Johnson

Perrin & Fils Cotes du Rhone Villages 2004 Gamey with earthy notes and a fair amount of tannin. This wine is 50% Syrah and 50% Grenache. Mis in Orange 13% $9.69 at Bottle Barn

Posted in France, Rhône | Leave a comment

The Lighter Side of Rhone

Posted on November 29, 2007 by Ray Johnson

Chateau La Canorgue Cotes du Luberon 2006 Unfortunately this wine is showing its alcohol quite overtly. The grapes for this wine are Clairette, Roussanne, Marsanne and Bourboulenc. La Canorgue farms its 30 hectares biodynamically. Mis au chateau par Jean-Pierre et … Continue reading →

Posted in Coteaux-du-Tricastin, Cotes du Luberon, France, Rhône | Leave a comment

Secret Sauvignon

Posted on November 26, 2007 by Ray Johnson

Craggy Range Martinborough Te Muna Road Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2006 Te Muna means ‘secret place’ and it is where this vineyard is located, adjacent to the Huangarua River. P&B in Havelock North 13.5% $19.99 at K&L Craggy Range

Posted in Martinborough, New Zealand, Sauvignon Blanc | Leave a comment

A Travel to Tavel

Posted on November 20, 2007 by Ray Johnson

Domaine de la Mordoree Tavel La Dame Rousse 2006 Smells of strawberry and bisquits.  There’s a broad mouthfeel with fruit to taste and added weight compared to other roses – very nice. The grapes behind this pink wine are 60% … Continue reading →

Posted in France, Grenache, Rhône, Rosé, Tavel | Leave a comment

Love that Bolly

Posted on November 20, 2007 by Ray Johnson

Bollinger, Champagne, Special Cuvee Brut nv This wine is typically quite complex with earthy notes that are not always embraced by those who favor more fruit-forward styles of sparkling. While I’m a fan of fruit too, I love the multitude … Continue reading →

Posted in Champagne, Chardonnay, France, Pinot Noir, Sparkling Dry | Tagged | Leave a comment

A Grave Lafitte

Posted on November 20, 2007 by Ray Johnson

Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte 2004 The previous bottle of 2004 tasted earlier in the year was full of toasty oak with brett complexity. The brett was a nice touch but too much for some. Also the mouth was laced with … Continue reading →

Posted in Bordeaux, Cabernet Sauvignon, France, Pessac-Leognan | Leave a comment