Category Archives: France

Sonoma State Sensory Evaluation Workshop

Posted on March 28, 2013 by Ray Johnson

Staying ahead of flaws in the cellar and quantifying perceptual differences and consumer preferences are critical to a winery’s bottom line.  Following our return from New Zealand, Sonoma State’s Wine Business Institute will partner with VESTA to again offer this … Continue reading →

Posted in Albariño, Alsace, Alto Adige, Andalucia, Barbera, Barbera d'Asti, Barolo, Bordeaux, California, Chardonnay, Cinsault, Dealcoholized, Fortified dessert, France, Gewurztraminer, Graves, Italy, Jerez, Madeira, Malmsey, Malvasia, Marlborough, Merlot, Napa County, Napa Valley, Nebbiolo, New Zealand, Palomino, Pessac-Leognan, Piemonte, Pinot Noir, Port, Portugal, Provence, Rosé, Russian River Valley, Sancerre, Sauternes, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Sherry, Sonoma County, South Africa, Spain, Tawny Port, Var, Vinho Verde, Western Cape | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Lucien Albrecht Blanc de Blancs

Posted on August 4, 2012 by Ray Johnson

Lucien Albrecht, Cremant d’Alsace, Brut, Blanc de Blancs nv In the nose there are fresh fruits like pears and yellow apples.  In the mouth this wine is fruit-forward, moderately acidic with some creaminess, like one finds with the domaine’s rose – … Continue reading →

Posted in Cremant d'Alsace, France, Pinot Blanc, Sparkling Dry | Tagged | Leave a comment

Bollinger La Grande Annee 2000

Posted on July 7, 2012 by Ray Johnson

Bollinger, Champagne, La Grande Annee, Brut 2000 The nose is nutty, featuring dried fruits, oranges with brown spices and a note of mushrooms sauteed in butter. In the mouth this vintage is elegant, with subtle orange and apple flavors, and long, … Continue reading →

Posted in Champagne, Chardonnay, France, Pinot Noir, Sparkling Dry | Tagged | Leave a comment

Wines of British Airways first class

Posted on July 7, 2012 by Ray Johnson

During a trip to Italy and Slovenia we had the opportunity to sample a number of delicious wines while in the care of BA. First up was a tasting of 2 bubblies in the lounge at Heathrow. Pol Roger, Champagne, … Continue reading →

Posted in Champagne, Chardonnay, France, Pinot Noir, Sparkling Dry | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Pierre Sparr Cremant d’Alsace

Posted on April 14, 2012 by Ray Johnson

Pierre Sparr, Cremant d’Alsace, Brut, Reserve The nose features sweet flowers, a perfumed character, with pears and apples.  In the mouth there is a soft impression, fruity with moderate acidity – nicely crafted as an aperitif. The grapes behind this … Continue reading →

Posted in Alsace, France, Pinot Blanc, Sparkling Dry | Tagged | Leave a comment

Red wines from France and Italy

Posted on March 19, 2011 by Ray Johnson

Louis Latour, Marsannay, Rouge 2007 The nose displays earthiness and meatiness upon first opening with a bit of black fruit in the background. In the mouth it is quite hard at this point in time. Mis en bouteille a Beaune … Continue reading →

Posted in Burgundy, Chianti, Chianti Classico, France, Italy, Marsannay, Pinot Noir, Sangiovese, Tuscany | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Dry white wines from Europe

Posted on March 19, 2011 by Ray Johnson

Caves Allianca, Vinho Verde DOC, Branco Unfortunately this bottle is showing some volatility. What is true to type about this wine is the petillance, light body and high acidity. This purchase was bottled in 2010 in Anadia 9% $5.49 at … Continue reading →

Posted in Alsace, Alto Adige, France, Italy, Pinot Gris and Grigio, Portugal, Vinho Verde | Tagged | Leave a comment

Andre Vatan Sancerre 2009

Posted on March 19, 2011 by Ray Johnson

Domaine André Vatan, Sancerre, Les Charmes 2009 This has been a consistent, value-priced Sancerre that I have often reached for since a visit with Andre in ’98. As in previous vintages, the nose features grass, lemon, minerality and perfume. In the mouth … Continue reading →

Posted in France, Loire Valley, Sancerre, Sauvignon Blanc | Tagged | Leave a comment

Laurent-Perrier Rose

Posted on January 1, 2011 by Ray Johnson

Laurent-Perrier, Champagne, Brut, Cuvee Rose nv I’ve always admired the expression of fruit in this rose, making it one of my favorites from Champagne. The latest bottling does not disappoint, featuring a medley of cherries, strawberries and a nice thread … Continue reading →

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William Fevre Chablis Vaillons 2008

Posted on November 17, 2010 by Ray Johnson

Domaine William Fevre, Chablis Premier Cru, Vaillons 2008 The nose combines flint and green apples. In the mouth the acidity is lively and the whole palate is alight with flavor – very nice and very long. 100% of the wine … Continue reading →

Posted in Burgundy, Chablis, Chardonnay, France | Tagged | Leave a comment