by Ray Johnson | May 12, 2010 | Bordeaux, France, Sauternes, Semillon
Chateau Climens, Barsac 2005 What is wonderful about this wine is the amount of fruit that shows, from citrus to the tropical notes of pineapple. Sure, there is the expected richness of honey and appropriate volatility, but the coupling of the fruit makes this a star....
by Ray Johnson | May 12, 2010 | Bordeaux, Cabernet Sauvignon, France, Margaux, Merlot, Saint-Julien
Chateau Giscours, Margaux 2006 The nose of this wine features a strong whiff of smoky oak and leather with red fruits and sweet tobacco. In the mouth, the fruit comes alive, with fresh berries and dried cranberries and the accent of earth and leather – very...
by Ray Johnson | May 12, 2010 | Bordeaux Style Blends, Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Napa Valley, Petit Verdot
These wines were first tasted during a visit with Alan Viader at the estate on April 30. I bought two of my favorites to share with the UC Berkeley class in San Francisco on May 12. The notes below are a combination of observations from the two tastings. Dare by...
by Ray Johnson | May 12, 2010 | Cabernet Franc, California, Rockpile, Sonoma County
Stryker Sonoma, Rockpile, Rockpile Vineyard, Cabernet Franc 2007 The nose features sweet vanilla, cedar, cherries and pencil shavings. The mouth shows a rich texture, quite plush with the essence of nuttiness and caramel wrapped around a dark chocolate cookie –...
by Ray Johnson | May 12, 2010 | Bordeaux, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Pomerol
Chateau La Conseillante, Pomerol 2007 Toasty, smoky oak meets blueberries and crushed leaves in the nose. In the mouth you’ll find an approachable wine, with ripe tannins, lots of black fruit, complementary leather and lingering acidity – very nice. The...
