by Ray Johnson | Aug 4, 2010 | Burgundy, Chablis, Chardonnay, France
William Fevre, Chablis Premier Cru, Fourchaume 2008 In the nose you’ll find the smell of bread dough and butter with a healthy whiff of stone fruits. In the mouth the concentration of fruit is evident, with buttery richness adding a sheen of slippery texture and...
by Ray Johnson | Jul 28, 2010 | Fortified dessert, France, Late Harvest White, Muscat, Muscat Beaumes de Venise, Rhône, White Dessert
Paul Jaboulet Aine, Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise, Le Chant des Griolles 2007 The nose features the expected orange blossom of Muscat with the region’s typical spiritous character in the subtly in the background. In the mouth you’ll find oranges and...
by Ray Johnson | Jul 27, 2010 | Cotes du Rhone, France, Grenache, Rhône, Syrah
Domaine de la Mordorée Côtes-Du-Rhône “La Dame Rousse” 2008 Give this some air to blow off the stink. Then with 15 minutes the black pepper and red fruits will emerge. In the mouth it is overtly fruity and quite structured, chewy and ready to pair with burgers on the...
by Ray Johnson | Jul 19, 2010 | Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Cotes du Rhone, France, Grenache, Mourvedre, Rhône
Coudoulet de Beaucastel, Cotes-du-Rhone Rouge, 2007 The fruit has both a fresh and dried character, combining cherries, plums and raisins. In the mouth it has an elegant profile, the structure is apparent yet restrained, not dominating the flavors – very nice....
by Ray Johnson | Jul 19, 2010 | Crozes-Hermitage, France, Rhône, Syrah
Alain Graillot, Crozes Hermitage 2008 This vintage features lots of black pepper and a structured palate, with long acidity and a commensurate amount of tannin. For some there will be too much of a memory of Band-Aids and the dentist office but with a plate of blood...
by Ray Johnson | Jul 19, 2010 | Beaujolais, Burgundy, France, Gamay
Louis Jadot, Beaujolais-Villages 2008 The nose expresses the essence of fresh grapes with a bit of earthiness. In the mouth the fruit is bright, the acidity lively and the tannin just a hint in the background. This is perfect when you want a bit of lightly-chilled red...