by Ray Johnson | Jul 27, 2009 | France, Grenache, Les Baux de Provence, Provence, Rosé
Mas de Gourgonnier, Les Baux de Provence, Rose 2008 The fruit is evolving away from freshness as this wine seems to be aging prematurely. The mouth is quite gripping – a disappointment. Bottled with a synthetic cork; perhaps the seal was less than adequate? ...
by Ray Johnson | Jul 20, 2009 | Cotes du Rhone, France, Grenache, Syrah
Perrin & Fils, Cotes du Rhone 2007 The nose features black pepper, red fruits and a sense of the garrique. In the mouth this wine is ready to match with a bit of roasted pork; there is moderate acidity, ripe tannins and a creaminess as well. This moderately...
by Ray Johnson | Jul 10, 2009 | France, Loire Valley, Melon, Muscadet
Domaine des Hautes Noelles, Muscadet Sevre et Maine sur lie 2006 This wine has developed paraffin and lanolin characteristics in the nose. The acidity that one expects of Muscadet in the mouth is there with a rounded, silky texture – nice complexity at this...
by Ray Johnson | May 20, 2009 | Champagne, Chardonnay, France, Pinot Noir, Sparkling Dry
Egly-Ouriet, Champagne, Grand Cru, Brut Tradition nv In the nose there is citrus, bruised apples and brown spices as in an apple pie. In keeping with the house style, the acidity is quite profound. This wine is quite tight, very long, very much a baby at this point....
by Ray Johnson | May 20, 2009 | Champagne, Chardonnay, France, Pinot Meunier, Pinot Noir, Sparkling Dry
Charles Heidsieck, Champagne, Brut Reserve nv This wine has developed toastiness, nuttiness and a sense of bread dough. The texture is lovely, creamy yet refreshingly acidic. This new bottling was disgorged in 2008 and given a hefty price increase over the previous...
by Ray Johnson | May 13, 2009 | Burgundy, Chambolle-Musigny, Cote de Nuits, France, Pinot Noir
Deux Montille, Chambolle-Musigny, “Les Babilleres” 2006 This is a very refined Burgundy, showing the charm associated with the appellation and the skillful winemaking of Alix. The acidity is a hallmark, encasing the cherry fruit along with an elegant mouthfeel. Tasted...
