by Ray Johnson | Mar 13, 2009 | Australia, South Eastern Australia, Syrah
Lindemans, South Eastern Australia, Bin 50 Shiraz 2008 In the nose there is a light level of black fruits and oaky essence. The wine is very light-bodied with sweet black fruit, a little low-level RS and a touch of grippiness. P&B in Red Cliffs, Victoria 13.5%...
by Ray Johnson | Jan 20, 2009 | Australia, McLaren Vale, South Australia, Syrah
d’Arenberg, McLaren Vale, The Dead Arm, Shiraz 2006 This wine is dense all around, from the color to the palate. Black fruits combine with hints of eucalyptus. The mouth is taught, just a baby yet the tannins are ripe with no astringency. Aged in new and one use...
by Ray Johnson | Dec 12, 2008 | Australia, Pinot Noir, Victoria
Innocent Bystander, Victoria, Pinot Noir 2007 This is one of those Pinots that has the smoky character of an ashtray. In the mouth, there are green characters and astringency – a disappointment from this producer. The grapes are sourced from vineyards in Sexton,...
by Ray Johnson | Dec 12, 2008 | Australia, Pinot Noir, Western Australia
Plantagenet, Western Australia, Omrah, Pinot Noir 2007 The wine smells of earth and cherries. In the mouth, the smells repeat with a touch of the richness of oak. This is a good value Pinot. The grapes are from vineyards in the Great Southern region of WA, in...
by Ray Johnson | Jul 10, 2008 | Alexander Valley, Australia, Bordeaux Style Blends, Guenoc Valley, Idaho, Lake County, McLaren Vale, Meritage, Merlot, Napa Valley, Sonoma County, South Australia
Clarendon Hills Clarendon Brookman Merlot 2005 Roman Bratasiuk pulls no punches with his opulent wines. This Merlot features ripe fruit and the cigar box characters we often associate with Bordeaux. The texture is oh so plush. P&B in Blewitt Springs 14.5% $60...
by Ray Johnson | May 13, 2008 | Australia, Barossa Valley, Grenache, South Australia, Syrah
d’Arenberg McLaren Vale The Custodian Grenache 2005 Juicy warm fruit and earthy notes in a supple package. Grown, produced and bottled in McLaren Vale 14.5% $14.79 at Bottle Barn d’Arenberg Torbreck Barossa Valley Woodcutter’s Shiraz 2006 The...