by Ray Johnson | Jun 10, 2010 | Alexander Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Sonoma County
Reynoso Family Vineyards, Alexander Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 The nose features cocoa and vanilla with a dash of mint, quite sweet-appearing, in the way that dry wines echo the sweet smells we associate with dessert. In the mouth it’s reminiscent of a milk...
by Ray Johnson | Jun 8, 2010 | Cabernet Sauvignon, France, Grenache, Les Baux de Provence, Provence, Syrah
Domaine Hauvette, Les Baux de Provence 2004 The nose of the ’04 features fresh and dried fruits, floral notes and the herbs of the Provencal landscape. In the mouth you’ll find structure to marry with dinner and a bit of gamey horse blanket that suggests...
by Ray Johnson | May 12, 2010 | Bordeaux, Cabernet Sauvignon, France, Margaux, Merlot, Saint-Julien
Chateau Giscours, Margaux 2006 The nose of this wine features a strong whiff of smoky oak and leather with red fruits and sweet tobacco. In the mouth, the fruit comes alive, with fresh berries and dried cranberries and the accent of earth and leather – very...
by Ray Johnson | May 12, 2010 | Bordeaux Style Blends, Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Napa Valley, Petit Verdot
These wines were first tasted during a visit with Alan Viader at the estate on April 30. I bought two of my favorites to share with the UC Berkeley class in San Francisco on May 12. The notes below are a combination of observations from the two tastings. Dare by...
by Ray Johnson | May 10, 2010 | Bordeaux Style Blends, Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Knights Valley, Merlot, Napa Valley, Sonoma County, Virginia
Kendall-Jackson, Knights Valley, Highland Estates, Trace Ridge, Red Wine 2006 Unfortunately this bottle is corked. The grapes behind this wine are 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Merlot and 7% Petit Verdot. The wine was aged for 19 months in French oak, 45% of which was...
by Ray Johnson | Apr 28, 2010 | Cabernet Sauvignon, Provence, Syrah, Vin de Pays des Bouches du Rhone
Domaine de Trevallon, Vin de Pays des Bouches du Rhone 2006 As in the previous vintage, there is a New World ripeness to the fruit expressed in the nose, sweet and intense. In the mouth it is a tannic, mouth-gripping baby, yearning for a long sleep in the cellar....
