by Ray Johnson | Oct 21, 2009 | Bennett Valley, California, Grenache, Sonoma County
Grey Stack, Bennett Valley, Dry Stack Vineyard, Grenache 2007 Grenache’s candy-like character comes through in the nose, sweet smelling and ebulliently fruity. In the mouth there is structure to match the fruit, a vision of Chateauneuf, where Grenache shows that...
by Ray Johnson | Oct 21, 2009 | Bandol, France, Mourvedre, Provence
Chateau de Pibarnon, Bandol 2005 The nose is quite spicy, borrowing both brown and green entries from the spice rack. In the mouth this wine is quite substantial, big in structure and acidity that drives the flavor for a long time. This is just a baby now – give...
by Ray Johnson | Oct 21, 2009 | California, Contra Costa County, Mourvedre
Cline, Contra Costa County, Ancient Vines, Mourvedre 2007 Give this some air as it is a little reductive upon first opening. In the mouth the black fruit is apparent with ample acidity and light body. P&B in Sonoma 15% $10.99 at Bottle Barn Cline Cellars Cline,...
by Ray Johnson | Oct 21, 2009 | California, Santa Barbara County, Syrah
JC Cellars, Santa Barbara County, Fess Parker’s Vineyard, Syrah 2006 This Syrah features boatloads of oak through and through. The mouthfeel is supple and the oak adds a sweet vanilla appearance, enriching the wine further. Winemaker Jeff Cohn. P&B in...
by Ray Johnson | Oct 21, 2009 | Crozes-Hermitage, France, Rhône, Syrah
Alain Graillot, Crozes Hermitage 2007 In the nose you sense the classic black pepper along with a meatiness and herbal character, perhaps hinting at rosemary and thyme. In the mouth this is a structured Syrah, acidic and tannic, delicious and long. Vinifie, eleve et...
