by Ray Johnson | Feb 8, 2010 | Cabernet Franc, Chinon, France, Loire Valley
Domaine de Beausejour, Chinon 2007 This wine is riper than previous incarnations, showing black fruit beyond the capsicum. In the mouth it is green and gripping but tolerable. 100% Cab Franc with stainless ferment; Gerard et David Chauveau in Panzoult 12.5% $13.59 at...
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 4, 2009 | Bordeaux Style Blends, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Napa Valley, Stags Leap District
Cliff Lede, Napa Valley, Stags Leap District, Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 Fresh fruit and new oak leap from the glass when you smell this wine. In the mouth the tannins are polished making this Cab approachable now. The length is great. With time though, the oak will...
by Ray Johnson | Nov 14, 2009 | Bordeaux Style Blends, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Chardonnay, Merlot, Napa Valley
Winemaker Chris Millard had an opportunity to visit with our Napa Valley class to describe the wines that he is crafting at Newton. On top of the mountain overlooking St. Helena, he has an extraordinary amount of fruit to select from, giving him the luxury of selling...
by Ray Johnson | Nov 4, 2009 | Bordeaux, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, France, Merlot, Saint-Julien
Chateau Saint-Pierre, Saint-Julien 2005 This is pleasure in a glass, ripeness of fruit, great density yet rounded off edges. The structure supports the density of flavor while the acidity carries the flavor a long way – very nice. The estate is planted to 75%...
by Ray Johnson | Nov 4, 2009 | Bordeaux, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, France, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Saint-Julien
Chateau Gloria, Saint-Julien 2005 There’s a nice smoky essence in the nose while in the mouth you’ll find cranberries and dark chocolate. This wine is quite chewy and would certainly benefit from 6-8 years in the cellar. The estate is planted to 65%...
