by Ray Johnson | May 13, 2009 | Burgundy, Chardonnay, France, Marsannay
Domaine Charles Audoin, Marsannay, Au Champ Salomon 2005 In the nose this wine expresses minerality and toasty oak along with a little volatility. In the mouth, the acidity is quite electric, with a follow-through of minerality, a very dry Chardonnay. The vines that...
by Ray Johnson | May 13, 2009 | Burgundy, Chardonnay, France
Paul Pernot, Bourgogne, Chardonnay 2007 This wine shows lots of green apples throughout with some added buttery richness on the palate. Mis in Puligny by Paul Pernot et ses fils Michel and Paul 13.5% $18.99 at Bottle Barn
by Ray Johnson | May 6, 2009 | Bordeaux, Cabernet Sauvignon, France, Merlot, Pomerol
Chateau Rouget, Pomerol 2005 This wine shows the classic example of tolerated brett. There are Band-Aids competing with ripe fruits in the nose. With 30 minutes the fruit starts to strut into the open. The mouth features the same with a supple texture, rustic yet...
by Ray Johnson | Apr 29, 2009 | Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Cotes du Rhone, France, Grenache, Mourvedre, Syrah
Andre Brunel, Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Les Cailloux 2006 In the nose the fruit goes from fresh to raisin, with black pepper and spices from the cupboard. In the mouth, this wine is approachable already, chewy and dripping with acidity with plenty of extract to fill out...
by Ray Johnson | Apr 29, 2009 | Cinsault, Cotes du Rhone, France, Grenache, Mourvedre, Rhône, Syrah
Coudoulet de Beaucastel, Cotes-du-Rhone Rouge, 2005 The black fruits are alight in the nose with a liquer-like character. In the mouth the fruit is very expressive with the structure you’d expect – a great combo. The grapes are sourced from the Coudoulet...
by Ray Johnson | Apr 29, 2009 | Cote-Rotie, France, Syrah
E. Guigal, Cote-Rotie, Brune et Blonde de Guigal 2005 Here is a Syrah that demonstrates the black pepper quality that lurks in this variety. There’s also earthiness, a benign Band-Aid character adding to the complexity of the nose. The mouth shows Syrah’s...