by Ray Johnson | Apr 25, 2008 | California, Napa Valley, Zinfandel
Frank Family Napa Valley Zinfandel 2006 Known for awesome Cabernet, tonight we sample their Zin. This wine smells of vanilla and other essences of dessert. There’s lots of extract, very jammy in black fruit and a healthy heft of tannin. 8% Petite Sirah, 15...
by Ray Johnson | Apr 25, 2008 | Bandol, California, Central Coast, Cotes du Rhone, France, Grenache, Mourvedre, Uncategorized
Les Restanques de Pibarnon Bandol 2003 This is a good value offering from Pibarnon, showing ripe fruit overlaid with ripe tannins. This wine gets better each time I taste it. The complexity is there and the edges are softening when tasted August 27, 2008. Tasted again...
by Ray Johnson | Apr 25, 2008 | California, Central Coast, Syrah, Uncategorized
Bridlewood Central Coast Winner’s Circle Selection “Blue Roan” Syrah 2004 Just a few evenings ago we tasted another of the Winner’s Circle Selection Syrah and it was true to the the house style showing lots of oak essence wound into a dense...
by Ray Johnson | Apr 25, 2008 | Corbieres, France, Rose
Domaine de Fontsainte Corbieres Gris de Gris 2007 This has been a stellar rose with traditional complexity and suppleness. The ’07 is very fresh, just full of strawberries, crisp yet filled out and far from lean. The grapes are 60% Grenache Gris and Noir,...
by Ray Johnson | Apr 24, 2008 | Central Otago, New Zealand, Pinot Noir
The second flight of Pinot tonight is drawn exclusively from the wine region of Central Otago. Mt. Difficulty Central Otago Pinot Noir 2006 Firm, gripping and marked by earthy and berry notes. P&B in Bannockburn 14.5% $28.99 at Bottle Barn Mt. Difficulty Aurum...