by Ray Johnson | Jul 7, 2012 | Champagne, Chardonnay, France, Pinot Noir, Sparkling Dry
Bollinger, Champagne, La Grande Annee, Brut 2000Â The nose is nutty, featuring dried fruits, oranges with brown spices and a note of mushrooms sauteed in butter. In the mouth this vintage is elegant, with subtle orange and apple flavors, and long, lingering acidity....
by Ray Johnson | Jul 7, 2012 | Champagne, Chardonnay, France, Pinot Noir, Sparkling Dry
During a trip to Italy and Slovenia we had the opportunity to sample a number of delicious wines while in the care of BA. First up was a tasting of 2 bubblies in the lounge at Heathrow. Pol Roger, Champagne, Extra Cuvee de Reserve 1999 In the nose this Champagne is...
by Ray Johnson | May 28, 2012 | Cabernet Sauvignon, Italy, Merlot, Sangiovese, Umbria
Falesco, Umbria IGT, Vitiano 2005Â This wine is showing nicely at a point in its evolution over 6 years since the grapes were harvested. It is light-bodied as expected, as it was in bottles tasted early on. Yet what we have now is complexity beyond the primary fruit...
by Ray Johnson | May 28, 2012 | California, Chardonnay, Mendocino County
Bonterra, Mendocino County, Chardonnay 2010Â The nose features fresh stones fruits and a splash of new oak. Â In the mouth the fruit expression is quite lively, citrus, apricots, peaches and the freshness of summer sunshine. Besides the Chardonnay, the grapes behind...
by Ray Johnson | May 8, 2012 | California, Lake County, Merlot, Syrah, Zinfandel
Bell Hill, Lake County, Merlot 2005 When first tasted in July 2009, I wrote: the nose features sweet notes of vanilla and cherries while the mouth repeats with ripe tannins, just to let you know they are there – very nice. Tasted again in May 2012, the tannins have...
