by Ray Johnson | Nov 6, 2008 | Bordeaux Style Blends, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Merlot, Napa Valley
Flora Springs, Napa Valley, Trilogy 2001 There is a medley of brown spices in the nose and a supple, now is the time to drink this, profile in the mouth. There’s complexity and the acidic frame carrying on – nice. Tasted one year later in November...
by Ray Johnson | Oct 18, 2008 | Alexander Valley, Bordeaux Style Blends, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Dry Creek Valley, Knights Valley, Meritage, Sonoma County
Adobe Road, Knights Valley, Cabernet Franc 2005 This is perfectly ripe Cab Franc – no veg to smell at all, just lots of berries. The structure of Cab Franc is in the mouth combining with the fruit and filled out by the oak. This is very long and has time to age....
by Ray Johnson | Jul 21, 2008 | Bordeaux Style Blends, Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Mount Veeder, Napa Valley, Rutherford, Santa Cruz Mountains
Some heavyweights are elegant on their feet, others draw lots of money in their direction and some are quite big. This post explores famous names and rising stars across the price spectrum. Quintessa, Rutherford Napa Valley, Red Wine 2004 There’s ample black...
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 | Apr 30, 2008 | Bordeaux, Bordeaux Style Blends, Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Napa Valley, Paso Robles, Saint-Julien
Justin Paso Robles Isosceles 2005 Lots of toasty oak and sour cherries with a thickness that lasts a long time. 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Cabernet Franc and 7% Merlot. GP&B in Paso Robles 14.6% $47.99 at Bottle Barn Justin Chateau Leoville Las Cases Saint-Julien...
by Ray Johnson | Apr 18, 2008 | Bordeaux, Bordeaux Style Blends, Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Cotes de Castillon, Napa Valley, Pauillac, Virginia
This flight features 5 wines where Cabernet and others of the famous 5 make an appearance, in vintages ranging from 2005 back to 2002. The Sinskey and ZD were the clear favorites from the recent vintages in this flight. Their overt fruit was delightful and they each...
