by Ray Johnson | Nov 19, 2008 | Cahors, France, Malbec
Chateau La Caminade, Cahors, La Commandery 2004 There’s a slathering of new oak on this wine, showing toast, vanilla and smoke in the nose. In the mouth there is great density and balance, the tannin not dominating but rather playing a role. Give it a few years...
by Ray Johnson | Nov 19, 2008 | Corbieres, France, Languedoc
Domaine de Fontsainte, Corbieres 2006 The rose wines from this domaine have shown complexity and suppleness. This wine exhibits cedar, vanilla, a sense of the garrigue and some earthiness in the nose. The tannins are supple, the acidity is lively and the fruit is in...
by Ray Johnson | Nov 19, 2008 | Cotes de Provence, France, Provence
Domaines Bunan, Cotes de Provence 2006 The nose is very lively with fruit, as in some whole berries in the fermentation amping up the fruitiness. This follows through in mouth with ample acidity and ripe tannins – nice. Mis en bouteille by the Bunan family in La...
by Ray Johnson | Nov 19, 2008 | Coteaux du Languedoc, France, Languedoc, Rosé
Mas Jullien, Coteaux du Languedoc, Rose 2007 The nose is clean and full of red fruits with brambles as well. In the mouth the red fruit shines and there is structure, reminding us that this was produced from black grapes, showing a light grip of tannin – good...
by Ray Johnson | Nov 19, 2008 | France, Roussanne, Vin de Pays d'Oc
Domaine Jean-Louiis Denois, Vin de Pays d’Oc, Les Oliviers, Roussanne 2006 Unfortunately this wine is exhibiting some very strong rotten egg aromas at first opening. With time the fruit comes through and the funk blows off but will everyone wait? Many in the...
by Ray Johnson | Nov 19, 2008 | Colombard, France, Vin de Pays des Cotes de Gascogne
Haut-Marin, Vin de Pays des Cotes de Gascogne, Cuvee Marine 2007 This wine is profoundly herbaceous with a hint of hard working body odor. The mouth is quite crisp and the overall pungency is reminiscent of Kiwi Sauvignon – very nice. The only challenge is that...
