by Ray Johnson | Dec 7, 2009 | Aperitif, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Charente, France
Gaston Rivière, Pineau des Charentes, Pineau François 1er, Red Pineau nv The smell of red grape juice really comes through, with a green, herbaceous essence and a whiff of chocolate. In the mouth it is sweet, thick and spiritous, like a red candy, coated in chocolate...
by Ray Johnson | Dec 7, 2009 | Aperitif, France
Lillet, Red nv This aperitif reminds me of dunking a slice of orange into a slightly sweet red wine, with a little shot of added for punch. Serve it over a few ice cubes. P&B in Podensac in the Gironde, about 20 miles south of Bordeaux 17% $15.99 Lillet
by Ray Johnson | Nov 23, 2009 | Champagne, France, Pinot Noir, Sparkling Dry
S. Coquillette, Champagne, Grand Cru, Brut, Les Cles nv Give this some air to blow off the stinkiness then the complexity of baked apples emerges. In the mouth there is a soft profile, with lemony acidity and nice length. The grapes behind this Champagne are all Pinot...
by Ray Johnson | Nov 23, 2009 | Champagne, Chardonnay, France, Pinot Noir, Sparkling Dry
Pierre Morlet, Champagne, Premier Cru, Grande Reserve, Brut nv There’s a lovely biscuit character in the nose, graced with flowers. In the mouth there is lots of green apple and plenty of acidity in the elegant sparkler. The grapes behind this wine are 74% Pinot...
by Ray Johnson | Nov 23, 2009 | Champagne, Chardonnay, France, Sparkling Dry
Pommery, Champagne, Brut Royal nv Sweet flowers greet the nose when you smell this wine, with citrus and candy. In the mouth you taste fresh fruit, with a complementary dosage, roundness and lingering candy – nice. The primary grapes behind this wine are...
by Ray Johnson | Nov 23, 2009 | France, Sparkling Dry, Ugni Blanc
Chateau Saint Esteve de Neri, Blancs de Blancs, Methode Traditionnelle, Brut nv The nose features cooked stone fruits and orange marmelade. In the mouth there is a mix of caramel and baked peaches with a bit of bitterness. The estate farms 13 hectares of vines in the...
