by Ray Johnson | Mar 19, 2011 | Alsace, Alto Adige, France, Italy, Pinot Gris and Grigio, Portugal, Vinho Verde
Caves Allianca, Vinho Verde DOC, Branco Unfortunately this bottle is showing some volatility. What is true to type about this wine is the petillance, light body and high acidity. This purchase was bottled in 2010 in Anadia 9% $5.49 at Bottle Barn Caves Alianca Cantina...
by Ray Johnson | Mar 19, 2011 | France, Loire Valley, Sancerre, Sauvignon Blanc
Domaine André Vatan, Sancerre, Les Charmes 2009 This has been a consistent, value-priced Sancerre that I have often reached for since a visit with Andre in ’98. As in previous vintages, the nose features grass, lemon, minerality and perfume. In the mouth it is...
by Ray Johnson | Jan 1, 2011 | Champagne, France, Rosé, Sparkling Dry
Laurent-Perrier, Champagne, Brut, Cuvee Rose nv I’ve always admired the expression of fruit in this rose, making it one of my favorites from Champagne. The latest bottling does not disappoint, featuring a medley of cherries, strawberries and a nice thread of...
by Ray Johnson | Nov 17, 2010 | Burgundy, Chablis, Chardonnay, France
Domaine William Fevre, Chablis Premier Cru, Vaillons 2008 The nose combines flint and green apples. In the mouth the acidity is lively and the whole palate is alight with flavor – very nice and very long. 100% of the wine went through ML and somewhere between...
by Ray Johnson | Aug 29, 2010 | Bordeaux, Bordeaux Clairet, France, Rosé
Chateau Haut-Colombier, Bordeaux Clairet 2009 This is a deeply-colored rose, approaching what you see in some Pinot Noir and Sangiovese. In the nose the fruit shines through with some earthy notes as well. In the mouth it is fruity and structured, in the way that you...
by Ray Johnson | Aug 21, 2010 | Chateauneuf-du-Pape, France, Grenache, Rhône
Vieux Telegraphe, Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Télégramme 2007 Tasted first at 11:15 on Friday morning, the nose featured cherries, strawberries, black pepper, sweet notes of vanilla and caramel as wells as the scent of the garrigue. In the mouth the wine showed medium plus...
