by Ray Johnson | Sep 10, 2008 | Corbieres, France, Grenache, Syrah
Col des Vents, Corbieres 2006 Black fruits dominate the nose; the mouth is light-bodied, lean and a little gripping. This is the budget Corbieres from Castelmaure made of 50% Carignane, 35% Grenache and 15% Syrah 13.5% $8.99 at Bottle Barn Castelmaure Corbieres Grande...
by Ray Johnson | Sep 10, 2008 | Aperitif, France, Languedoc, Vermouth
Noilly Prat, Original French Dry Vermouth nv This is always a great example of the complexity of herbs, white wine and fortification; yet the students usually hate it. Tonight a full 25% of the group enjoyed the wine or at least wouldn’t turn it away if served...
by Ray Johnson | Sep 10, 2008 | France, Languedoc, Picpoul de Pinet
Hugues Beaulieu, Coteaux Du Languedoc, Picpoul de Pinet 2007 Each vintage of this wine has been marked by true-to-form high acidity. The ’07 is the same with lip-smacking acidity, green herbs of the landscape and a sense of lemon peel – good value. Mis par...
by Ray Johnson | Sep 9, 2008 | California, Chardonnay, Monterey County, Napa Valley, Sonoma County
Ghost Pines, Sonoma Napa and Monterey Counties, Winemaker’s Blend, Chardonnay 2006 Tropical fruits and toasty oak make up the nose. The oak follows through in the mouth without being overbearing and the little bit of butteriness enhances the mouth rather than...
by Ray Johnson | Sep 8, 2008 | California, Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County, Zinfandel
J. Keverson, Dry Creek Valley, Hales Vineyard, Old Vine, Zinfandel 2006 There’s lost of sweet oak, cloves and cinamon in the nose. There’s a taste of strawberries and brown sugar in this elegant style of Zinfandel, with oaky notes adding a sweet character;...
