by Ray Johnson | Apr 14, 2009 | Bordeaux, Cabernet Sauvignon, France, Merlot, Pauillac
Chateau Grand-Puy Ducasse, Pauillac, Grand Cru Classe 2005 The nose features sweet black fruit, earthiness and wet stones. In the mouth there is an appropriate amount of acidity, a little on the tart side with ripe tannins and a moderate level of concentration. The...
by Ray Johnson | Apr 14, 2009 | Cabernet Sauvignon, Carignane, France, Grenache, Les Baux de Provence, Provence, Syrah
Mas de Gourgonnier, Les Baux de Provence, Rouge 2006 As in previous vintages, the band-aids are working in tandem with the black fruits. The mouth also repeats a similar profile in that it is quite gripping with much astringency. The Reserve du Mas has always been a...
by Ray Johnson | Mar 18, 2009 | Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Napa Valley, Oakville
Carter, Napa Valley, Oakville, Beckstoffer Vineyards, Cabernet Sauvignon 20009 Almost 9 years on this wine is hitting its stride. The nose shows the bottle bouquet development of exotic spices like sandelwood. There’s a healthy mix of dried fruits and herbs,...
by Ray Johnson | Mar 16, 2009 | Cabernet Sauvignon, Kentucky
Returning late after teaching my Wine Marketing class tonight I opened an innocuous Pinot Grigio while reading the mail. Linda made an extraordinary meatloaf the other night so I decided to open a red to drink with that after a quick reheat in the microwave....
by Ray Johnson | Dec 18, 2008 | Cabernet Sauvignon, California
Dancing Bull, California, Winemaker’s Reserve, Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 The nose reminds one of a dusty road with sweet flowers and fruit in the background. In the mouth, this Cabernet is a supple, easy drink, mildly sweet and easy. Besides the Cabernet there is...
by Ray Johnson | Nov 18, 2008 | Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinotage, South Africa, Syrah, Western Cape
Sebeka, Western Cape, “Cape Blend”, Shiraz Pinotage 2007 There’s a sense of sweet black fruit and oak in the nose that carries through in the mouth as well. The wine is extremely soft and low in acidity with a touch of residual sugar. The grapes are...
