by Ray Johnson | Jul 27, 2009 | Banyuls, Fortified dessert, France, Grenache, Roussillon
M. Chapoutier, Banyuls 2007 There’s lots of pruny complexity in the nose. In the mouth it is spot on, nuttiness and raisins tossed in molasses – yum. There was a touch of TCA in the first bottle tasted, described here but it wasn’t terribly...
by Ray Johnson | Jul 27, 2009 | California, Grenache, Paso Robles, Rhone Blend
Tablas Creek Vineyard, Paso Robles, Cotes de Tablas 2006 California sunshine comes through in this New World wine, with ripe liqueur-like fruit and polished edges. There’s a sense of tart cherries and cranberries as well, acidity balancing the ripe character....
by Ray Johnson | Jul 27, 2009 | France, Grenache, Rhône, Syrah, Vacqueyras
Perrin & Fils, Vacqueyras, Les Christins 2006 Black pepper and red fruits combine with a sense of the garrigue when you smell this wine. In the mouth it is structured and ready to accompany a pepper steak; the acidity carries the flavor a long way for the price....
by Ray Johnson | Jul 27, 2009 | California, Rhone Blend
Jade Mountain, California, La Provencale 2002 Raisined fruit and pruniness combines with caramel to paint a complex picture in the nose. In the mouth it’s starting to dry out and show a bit of spiritousness as it has crested the hill and is coming down the other...
by Ray Johnson | Jul 27, 2009 | California, Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County, Syrah
Provisor, Dry Creek Valley, Syrah 2002 This wine, almost 7 years on is showing quite nicely, with dried fruits and a supple texture. The wine was aged in new and older French oak for 16 months. This was the first vintage of Syrah from proprietors Susan and Doug...
