by Ray Johnson | Oct 26, 2009 | Cinsault, France, Grenache, Rhône, Rosé, Syrah
Les Vignerons de Tavel, Tavel, Prestige des Lauzeraies 2007 Sweet cherry fruit marks the nose and carries over on the palate. The mouth is broad and weighty, the acidity low, the fruit flavors are compelling and the body is big – a nice Tavel. The grapes are 50%...
by Ray Johnson | Oct 25, 2009 | Chenin Blanc, Coulee de Serrant, France, Loire Valley, Savennieres
Clos de la Coulee de Serrant, Savennieres-Coulee de Serrant 2004 The wine in this bottle is deeply golden, almost brown, the nose is very complex, the mouth is quite dense and the flavors go on for a long time. Yet this wine is quite evolved. The wines of Savennieres...
by Ray Johnson | Oct 21, 2009 | Bandol, France, Mourvedre, Provence
Chateau de Pibarnon, Bandol 2005 The nose is quite spicy, borrowing both brown and green entries from the spice rack. In the mouth this wine is quite substantial, big in structure and acidity that drives the flavor for a long time. This is just a baby now – give...
by Ray Johnson | Oct 21, 2009 | Crozes-Hermitage, France, Rhône, Syrah
Alain Graillot, Crozes Hermitage 2007 In the nose you sense the classic black pepper along with a meatiness and herbal character, perhaps hinting at rosemary and thyme. In the mouth this is a structured Syrah, acidic and tannic, delicious and long. Vinifie, eleve et...
by Ray Johnson | Sep 30, 2009 | Alsace, France, Pinot Gris and Grigio
Domaine Weinbach, Alsace, Cuvee Ste. Catherine, Pinot Gris 2007 This is a another gem from Weinbach. In the nose there are candied fruits, as in a fresh fruit tart glazed with a layer of sweetness while at the same time there is a minerality adding complexity. In...
by Ray Johnson | Sep 22, 2009 | France, Grenache, Rhône, Rosé, Syrah, Tavel
Domaine de la Mordoree, Tavel, “La Dame Rousse” 2008 The freshness of strawberries are evident in the nose and in the mouth that theme is over a rather big and slightly warm structure. The grapes behind this pink wine are 60% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 10%...
