by Ray Johnson | Mar 26, 2011 | Bordeaux, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Merlot, Mudgee, New South Wales
This tour starts in California, moves to Bordeaux and finishes down under, featuring Merlot and both Cabernets. Redwood Creek, California, Merlot 2009 This is an easy-drinking quaffer, quite light, fruity and hinting at a bit of structure. Winemaker Cal Dennison....
by Ray Johnson | May 12, 2010 | Cabernet Franc, California, Rockpile, Sonoma County
Stryker Sonoma, Rockpile, Rockpile Vineyard, Cabernet Franc 2007 The nose features sweet vanilla, cedar, cherries and pencil shavings. The mouth shows a rich texture, quite plush with the essence of nuttiness and caramel wrapped around a dark chocolate cookie –...
by Ray Johnson | May 12, 2010 | Bordeaux, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Pomerol
Chateau La Conseillante, Pomerol 2007 Toasty, smoky oak meets blueberries and crushed leaves in the nose. In the mouth you’ll find an approachable wine, with ripe tannins, lots of black fruit, complementary leather and lingering acidity – very nice. The...
by Ray Johnson | Apr 19, 2010 | Bourgueil, Cabernet Franc, Loire Valley
Domaine de la Butte, Bourgueil, “Le Pied de la Butte” 2008 At first opening this is pretty stinky so give it a good airing and then you’ll find the beautiful fruit. In the mouth it is light-bodied and fruity with lots of acidity and some gripping astringency....
by Ray Johnson | Apr 15, 2010 | Bordeaux, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, France, Graves, Merlot, Pessac-Leognan
Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte, Pessac-Leognan 2006 The smells in the nose include raspberries, cherries, leather and the sweetness and toastiness of oak. In the mouth it is earthy and smoky, exhibiting complexity and a supple texture – very approachable. The grapes...
by Ray Johnson | Apr 9, 2010 | Bordeaux Style Blends, Cabernet Franc, California, Merlot, Paso Robles
Justin Vineyards & Winery, Paso Robles, Justification 2006 The nose features crushed leaves, black fruits, cookie dough with vanilla and sweet tobacco. In the mouth it is quite structured, tight at this point, just a baby. Yet the fruit is there to savor so if...
