by Ray Johnson | Apr 29, 2009 | Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Cotes du Rhone, France, Grenache, Mourvedre, Syrah
Andre Brunel, Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Les Cailloux 2006 In the nose the fruit goes from fresh to raisin, with black pepper and spices from the cupboard. In the mouth, this wine is approachable already, chewy and dripping with acidity with plenty of extract to fill out...
by Ray Johnson | Apr 29, 2009 | Cinsault, Cotes du Rhone, France, Grenache, Mourvedre, Rhône, Syrah
Coudoulet de Beaucastel, Cotes-du-Rhone Rouge, 2005 The black fruits are alight in the nose with a liquer-like character. In the mouth the fruit is very expressive with the structure you’d expect – a great combo. The grapes are sourced from the Coudoulet...
by Ray Johnson | Apr 29, 2009 | Cote-Rotie, France, Syrah
E. Guigal, Cote-Rotie, Brune et Blonde de Guigal 2005 Here is a Syrah that demonstrates the black pepper quality that lurks in this variety. There’s also earthiness, a benign Band-Aid character adding to the complexity of the nose. The mouth shows Syrah’s...
by Ray Johnson | Apr 29, 2009 | California, Syrah
JC Cellars, California Cuvee, Syrah 2006 This is an inky Syrah to look at. The nose features sweet black fruits and berry pie. The mouth is a rich expression of Syrah, with sweet-appearing fruit and ripe tannins. Winemaker Jeff Cohn. P&B in Oakland 15.0% $40 at...
by Ray Johnson | Apr 29, 2009 | California, Grenache, Paso Robles, Rosé, Temecula
South Coast, California, Grenache, Rose 2007 In the nose there is candy, flowers and the smell something citrus. The mouth is plump and amplified by a about 1% RS. This took the sweepstake award for pink wine at the Chronicle Wine Competition in January. Nice wine....
