by Ray Johnson | Jul 7, 2012 | Champagne, Chardonnay, France, Pinot Noir, Sparkling Dry
Bollinger, Champagne, La Grande Annee, Brut 2000 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 2005 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 2010 The nose features fresh stones fruits and a splash of new oak. 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...
