by Ray Johnson | Mar 3, 2009 | Cabernet Franc, Grand River Valley, Ohio
Laurello, Grand River Valley, Cabernet Franc nv The nose puts together the herbaceous side of Cab Franc with the black fruit character it can expound. There’s a healthy but appealing dose of brett, giving the earthiness that might remind one of this...
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 | Nov 6, 2008 | Bordeaux, Cabernet Franc, France, Merlot, Saint-Emilion
Chateau Fombrauge,Saint-Emilion, Grand Cru 2005 The nose is smoky and toasty with tobacco lead and cherries. The sense of pipe tobacco follows through in the mouth ripe red fruits and the structure that you expect in Bordeaux. There is great balance between all of the...
by Ray Johnson | Nov 6, 2008 | Cabernet Franc, California, Clarksburg
R, Clarksburg, Salman Vineyard, Cabernet Franc 2006 The nose combines vanilla with red fruits and a little cedar. There is suppleness to the palate and a moderate amount of Cab Franc’s natural acidity with plenty of California fruit. The vineyard is located on...
by Ray Johnson | Nov 5, 2008 | Cabernet Franc, Loire Valley, Saumur-Champigny
Clos Rougeard, Saumur Champigny 2004 There’s complexity here in the nose, a combination of sweet oak, smokiness, chocolate and a little bit of volatility. The sweet flavors follow suit in the mouth with a heavy dose of brett and a tart framework. This wine goes...
by Ray Johnson | Nov 5, 2008 | Cabernet Franc, Chinon, France, Loire Valley
Catherine & Pierre Breton, Chinon, Beaumont 2005 The smells of sweet berry fruit with crush leaves and green herbs. In the mouth the wine is chewy and lightly but appropriately green with tart fruit flavors. The vines for the Beaumont are 50 years old and the wine...
