by Ray Johnson | May 17, 2010 | Aperitif, Madeira, Portugal, Sercial
Blandy’s, Madeira, 5 Year Old, Sercial nv The nose features dried fruits and nuts, melding a sense of citrus and raisins with honey all wrapped into a nutty dessert. The complexity is great and always leads one down a garden path to expect loads of sweetness but we...
by Ray Johnson | Apr 16, 2010 | Aperitif, France
I was delighted to find this aperitif during our recent trip to Bordeaux. While in a little grocery store buying some essentials for the apartment, I had to check out the wine section and low and behold, St. Raphael. St. Raphael, Rougue, nv There is a strong sense of...
by Ray Johnson | Mar 8, 2010 | Aperitif, California, Vermouth
Quady, California, Vya, Extra Dry Vermouth nv The nose combines mint, ginger and a host of spices. In the mouth it is dry and spicy with a reminiscence of quinine’s bitterness – an intense mouth refresher! The grapes are Colombard and Orange Muscat and the...
by Ray Johnson | Jan 12, 2010 | Aperitif, Madeira, Portugal, Verdelho
Blandy’s, Madeira, 5 Year Old, Verdelho nv The flavor profile puts together the best of Amontillado from Spain with a splash of sweetness. You’ll find a woody, nutty essence with warmth and dried oranges. This is a weighty aperitif that celebrates bold flavours...
by Ray Johnson | Dec 7, 2009 | Aperitif, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Charente, France
Gaston Rivière, Pineau des Charentes, Pineau François 1er, Red Pineau nv The smell of red grape juice really comes through, with a green, herbaceous essence and a whiff of chocolate. In the mouth it is sweet, thick and spiritous, like a red candy, coated in chocolate...
by Ray Johnson | Dec 7, 2009 | Aperitif, France
Lillet, Red nv This aperitif reminds me of dunking a slice of orange into a slightly sweet red wine, with a little shot of added for punch. Serve it over a few ice cubes. P&B in Podensac in the Gironde, about 20 miles south of Bordeaux 17% $15.99 Lillet
