by Ray Johnson | Aug 27, 2008 | Bandol, France, Mourvedre, Provence
Domaine Tempier, Bandol 2005 The black fruit is blended with herbs of the region, fresh from the landscape and an element of meat on the grill. In the mouth there is lots of fruit wrapped up in tannic youthfulness. The balance is there in the concentration of the wine...
by Ray Johnson | Aug 27, 2008 | France, Les Baux de Provence, Provence, Rosé
Mas de Gourgonnier, Les Baux de Provence, Rose 2007 The fresh fruit is evident in this low acid rose. This estate was farming organically before many jumped on board and all of the wines are today certified organic. The 2007 rose is about 60% Grenache with a medley of...
by Ray Johnson | Aug 27, 2008 | Alsace, France, Pinot Blanc, Riesling
Trimbach, Alsace, Pinot Blanc 2005 Light floral notes mark the nose and the mouth has a rather creamy texture, very little residual sugar, a moderate amount of acid and the taste of stone fruits; it’s nice and simple for the price. Mis en bouteille a Ribeauville...
by Ray Johnson | Aug 20, 2008 | Cotes du Rhone, Crozes-Hermitage, France, Grenache, Syrah
E. Guigal, Cotes du Rhone 2005 This wine is typically on the more polished side of Rhone blends with a hint of oak. That sense comes through again with a bit of earth and dried fruits. The blend is 55% Syrah, 35% Grenache, 8% Mourvedre and some other stuff. Eleve et...
by Ray Johnson | Aug 20, 2008 | Cotes du Rhone, France, Grenache, Syrah
Domaine de la Mordoree, Cotes-du-Rhone, La Dame Rousse, Rose 2007 Smells of strawberry showing quite full-on tonight. There’s a broad mouthfeel with the follow-on fruit to taste and added weight from the alcohol – very nice. Tasted again in late October, the...
by Ray Johnson | Jul 23, 2008 | California, Champagne, Chardonnay, France, Italy, Moscato d'Asti, Muscat, Piemonte, Sparkling sweet
J, Russian River Valley, cuvee 20 nv Clean, fresh, fruit, tasted at the winery in May. This wine has the zip of fresh green apples. The base wine is from a recent vintage with 25% oak-aged reserves adding to the final blend. The wine is aged for 3 years on the lees...
