by Ray Johnson | Nov 12, 2007 | Chenin Blanc, France, Vouvray
Régis Cruchet Vouvray Sec 2005 The last bottle tasted earlier in the year was rather evolved yet still possessing the textbook acidity. Perhaps it was one bottle where the cork didn’t hold in the SO2 effectively. No, again we see this premature evolution and the...
by Ray Johnson | Nov 12, 2007 | Chenin Blanc, France, Furmint, Hungary, Late Harvest White, Loire Valley, Quarts de Chaume, Sauternes, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Tokaji
The previous tasting in the California and Europe class in San Francisco pitted Baumard against Oremus. Tonight’s flight brings in a different top-flight producer, this time from Sauternes. Both the Raymond-Lafon and the Oremus will be tasted side-by-side. In...
by Ray Johnson | Nov 12, 2007 | France, Vermentino
Inexpensive, clean and perhaps a hint of residual sugar. Jean-Paul and Michel Dardé maintain a 70+ hectare vineyard near the bassin de Thau in the commune of Meze, where they grow Chardonnay, Sauvignon, Terret, Muscat, Syrah, Merlot and Vermentino. Mis at the domaine...
by Ray Johnson | Nov 10, 2007 | France, Sancerre, Sauvignon Blanc
Jean Reverdy Sancerre La Reine Blanche 2006 My notes from the previous two vintages show a consistent thread of grapefruit and grass in a high acid frame; today’s 2006 bottle was again high acid with substantial minerality. Produced from vines over 25 years old...
by Ray Johnson | Nov 8, 2007 | Corbieres, France, Grenache, Syrah
Chateau Coupe Roses Minervois Cuvee Vignals 2005 There’s lots of black pepper to smell but the brett is coming up to visit in late ’07. Now a year later, the dung is in full force. This wine is a blend of Syrah, Grenache and Carignan, unfined and...
by Ray Johnson | Nov 1, 2007 | Chenin Blanc, France, Vouvray, White Dessert
Regis Cruchet Vouvray Moelleux 1989 The last bottle tasted back in early 07 was very complex, with great acidity – an evolved, mature wine that was not liked by the class. Tonight’s wine again had its detractors given the bottle development that is well...
