by Ray Johnson | Nov 7, 2008 | Burgundy, Chardonnay, Cote Chalonnaise, France
Deux Montille, Montagny Premier Cru, “Les Coeres” 2005 The nose displays a perfect mix of Burgundy’s minerality balanced by fruit, in this case a sense of citrus. The wine is full-on concentration with lots of acidity and some silky butteriness that is...
by Ray Johnson | Oct 28, 2008 | Alsace, Burgundy, Chardonnay, France, Gewurztraminer, Macon-Villages
Verget, Macon Villages, “Grand Elevage” 2006 There’s a mix of minerality and doughy notes in the nose while the mouth is steely with a bit of slipperiness coating the tongue, adding richness to the austerity. From Jean-Marie Guffen, whose Chardonnays...
by Ray Johnson | Oct 23, 2008 | Champagne, Chardonnay, France, Pinot Noir
I had the opportunity to meet with two respected growers from Champagne at the WineWise and Terry Theise tasting today in San Francisco. Both are producers as well, crafting dynamite sparklers, each with their own house style. If forced to make a choice, I would take...
by Ray Johnson | Oct 18, 2008 | California, Chardonnay, Dry Creek Valley, Pinot Gris and Grigio, Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County
Clarbec, Sonoma County, Pinot Gris 2007 There’s fresh tropical fruit and subtle oak in the nose. The fruit comes through in the mouth with a caress of acidity and a little bit of richness – very nice. The grapes were sourced from the Lila Lane and Clarbec...
by Ray Johnson | Oct 15, 2008 | Champagne, Chardonnay, France, Pinot Meunier, Pinot Noir, Sparkling Lightly Sweet
Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin, Champagne, Demi-Sec nv There are floral and candy notes to smell while the mouth has a smooth fruitiness accented by the touch of RS. The grapes behind this wine are 55% Pinot Noir, 30% Chardonnay and 15% Pinot Meunier. Elabore a Reims 12%...
by Ray Johnson | Oct 15, 2008 | Champagne, Chardonnay, France, Pinot Meunier, Pinot Noir, Sparkling Dry
Nicolas Feuillatte, Champagne, Brut nv There’s a fruity, round expression to this bubbly. The house delivers moderate but fairly priced concentration for Champagne, as most multi-vintage blends have crept toward $40 and beyond. The grapes are 40% Pinot Noir, 40%...
