by Ray Johnson | Nov 7, 2008 | Aligote, Bouzeron, Burgundy, France
Domaine A. et P. de Villaine, Bouzeron 2006 Unfortunately this wine is showing quite a bit of VA in the form of nail polish. When I uncorked this bottle, it did appear that the seal was not complete so this obviously went off prematurely. This is too bad given the...
by Ray Johnson | Nov 6, 2008 | Bordeaux, France, Sauternes, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon
Chateau La Tour Blanche, Sauternes, 1er Cru 2003 The nose is marked by honey and minerality and appropriate VA. The pungency of the cleanser-like VA will certainly be too much for some as it does interfere with the fruit in the nose. That said, this is a tolerated...
by Ray Johnson | Nov 6, 2008 | California, Late Harvest White, Lodi, Viognier, White Dessert
Rosenblum Cellars, Lodi, Ripkin Ranch, Late Harvest Viognier, Lot 34 This is peaches in a glass with a thick mouthfeel, a little heat and the low acidity that often marks Viognier. The fruit was botritised and harvested at 36 brix. The final RS is 10%. P&B in...
by Ray Johnson | Nov 6, 2008 | Bordeaux Style Blends, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Merlot, Napa Valley
Flora Springs, Napa Valley, Trilogy 2001 There is a medley of brown spices in the nose and a supple, now is the time to drink this, profile in the mouth. There’s complexity and the acidic frame carrying on – nice. Tasted one year later in November...
by Ray Johnson | Nov 6, 2008 | Bordeaux, France, Merlot, Pomerol
Chateau Nenin, Pomerol 2002 Stepping back a year to the ’02, there is a sense of earthy cheese rind in the nose. This is much more rustic than the ’03, with ample acidity and chewy tannins. Notes on the newer ’03: My earlier notes this year show a...
