by Ray Johnson | Nov 15, 2007 | Beaujolais, Burgundy, France, Gamay
This flight offers the opportunity to look at two versions of Gamay. The first is brand new Nouveau (is that redundant?) and the second is from the Cru Julienas. Domaine Manoir du Carra Beaujolais Villages Nouveau 2007 This is a textbook example of Nouveau with bubble...
by Ray Johnson | Nov 15, 2007 | Aligote, Burgundy, France, Sauvignon Blanc
Domaine Goisot Bourgogne Aligote 2004 An evolving nose and aging palate with nutty complexity and ample acidity. Eleve et mis en bouteilles par Anne et Arnaud Goisot in Saint-Bris-le-Vineux 12% $10.99 at K&L Domaine Goisot Saint-Bris 2004 Lots of sulfur to start...
by Ray Johnson | Nov 15, 2007 | Aperitif, France
Kir This classic French aperitif was orginally made with the austere Aligote and the sweet Cassis, both from Burgundy. With the least expensive Bourgogne Aligote selling for $11 in San Francisco, however, it makes no sense to be a traditionalist. Rather, you might...
by Ray Johnson | Nov 13, 2007 | Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Cotes de Provence, France, Grenache, Mourvedre, Provence, Rhone Blend, Syrah
Jade Mountain California La Provencale 2004 Previous notes show the wine as complex and oaky though the 2nd bottle earlier in the year seemed a little alcoholic. Tonight’s bottle is very supple again and I don’t think most people would notice the alcohol....
by Ray Johnson | Nov 13, 2007 | France, Gigondas, Grenache, Rhône, Rhone Blend
Domaine Les Pallieres Gigondas 2003 This has been a consistent performer at a more affordable price than the well-made Brunier wines from CDP. The last bottle tasted earlier in 2007 was good again, but the tannic astringency at that time seemed out of balance with the...
by Ray Johnson | Nov 13, 2007 | Bordeaux, France, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon
Chateau Guiraud Bordeaux Vin Blanc Sec 2005 The last bottle tasted in early 2007 was very fresh, combining high acid with depth of flavor. This bottle was on target again, with roundness to complement the acidity. Sourced from vines with an average age of 15 years,...
