by Ray Johnson | Jul 28, 2010 | California, Dry Creek Valley, Grenache, Sonoma County
Unti, Dry Creek Valley, Grenache 2007 There’s a lovely, candy-like fruitiness to this Grenache. It’s also not a flabby one, but rather a red wine with structure, reminiscent of its Old World roots yet kissed by New World sunshine. The 2007 is reinforced by...
by Ray Johnson | Jul 28, 2010 | Anderson Valley, California, Mendocino County, Pinot Noir, Rose
Goldeneye, Anderson Valley, Vin Gris of Pinot Noir 2009 The nose features fresh strawberries. On the palate there is a creamy mouthfeel, a silky texture, with a thickness not often found in rose – very nice. The wine is made by the saignee method, bleeding off a...
by Ray Johnson | Jul 27, 2010 | Barbaresco, Italy, Nebbiolo, Piemonte
La Spinetta, Barbaresco DOCG, Vigneto Starderi 1997 Almost 13 years since the vintage the nose is showing notes of roasted coffee, nuts, dried fruits and prunes. With 10 minutes the sweetness of the dried fruit is emerging with a toasted nut character. In the mouth...
by Ray Johnson | Jul 27, 2010 | Cotes du Rhone, France, Grenache, Rhône, Syrah
Domaine de la Mordorée Côtes-Du-Rhône “La Dame Rousse” 2008 Give this some air to blow off the stink. Then with 15 minutes the black pepper and red fruits will emerge. In the mouth it is overtly fruity and quite structured, chewy and ready to pair with...
by Ray Johnson | Jul 27, 2010 | Australia, Barossa, South Australia, Syrah
Thorn-Clarke, Barossa, Shotfire, Shiraz 2008 This is oak city, smelling of freshly split logs and coconut. On the palate the theme continues, quite rich, with ripe tannins and a nice sense of acidity. The grapes are sourced from the family’s Kabiningie Vineyard...
