by Ray Johnson | Mar 30, 2009 | Champagne, Chardonnay, France, Pinot Noir, Sparkling Dry
Penet-Chardonnet, Champagne, Grand Cru, Grande Reserve, Extra Brut nv There is a light golden color in the glass and the biscuit notes are quite developed in the nose – very complex. Besides the biscuits there are browned apples, cherries and toasted nuts. The...
by Ray Johnson | Feb 5, 2009 | Burgundy, Corton, Cote de Beaune, France, Pinot Noir, Volnay
Maison Ambroise, Corton, Le Rognet Grand Cru 1997 Quite youthful at this point, with nuttiness and cedar, earthiness and fruit on the ground. In the mouth this wine is still packed with flavor and the structure is still vivid. There’s great length and I expect...
by Ray Johnson | Feb 5, 2009 | Beaune, Burgundy, Cote de Beaune, France, Pinot Noir
Domaine des Croix, Beaune, Les Bressandes 1er Cru 2005 There’s earthiness, cinnamon and cloves in the nose, maybe a note of licorice as well. The mouth is quite structured, framing great concentration of flavor in a very young Burgundy. Mis en bouteille in...
by Ray Johnson | Feb 5, 2009 | Burgundy, Chardonnay, Cote de Beaune, France, Puligny Montrachet
Paul Pernot, Puligny-Montrachet, Les Folatieres 1er Cru 2006 The nose features minerals and a bit of fruit. The mouth is rich, buttery and oaky yet the acidity and green sense of green apples balances the picture – very nice. Mis in Puligny by Paul Pernot et ses...
by Ray Johnson | Jan 29, 2009 | Bordeaux, France, Late Harvest White, Sauternes, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, White Dessert
Chateau Guiraud, Sauternes 2005 Minerality, honey and tropical fruits mark the nose. The mouth is all caramel with hints of that minerality – destined to be drunk with creme caramel. 85 hectares are planted to 65% Semillon and 35% Sauvignon Blanc; the vines...
by Ray Johnson | Jan 22, 2009 | Burgundy, France, Pinot Noir
Domaine Bernard Dugat-Py, Bourgogne 2005 I’m afraid that there are some bound-up sulfur issues making this wine reek of H2S. After 2 hours the wine has cleaned up but how many people will wait that long hoping that this wine will shine. In the mouth it is...
