by Ray Johnson | Nov 1, 2007 | Bourgueil, Cabernet Franc, Chinon, France, Loire Valley
Domaine de Beausejour Chinon 2005 My notes from the 2004 say green and thin but OK if nothing else is available. The 2005 shows more fruit to smell but still has much that is green about it. In Sept. ’08 this wine has more black fruit popping out amongst a light...
by Ray Johnson | Nov 1, 2007 | Chenin Blanc, France, Loire Valley, Melon, Muscadet, Savennieres
Domaine Les Hautes Noëlles Muscadet Côtes de Grandlieu sur lie 2006 The last vintage tasted, 2004 was very clean and bursting with acidity. Again tonight with the 2006, this wine struts its acidity with a freshness of fruit to smell in the nose. Mis par Serge Batard...
by Ray Johnson | Nov 1, 2007 | Aperitif, France
Byrrh Rare Assemblage nv Like drinking sweet vermouth with more flavour intensity Elevage sous bois; a blend of wines from Roussillon, 3-17 years old, This is a different bottling from the regular and each is numbered. In early November ’08 I purchased the last...
by Ray Johnson | Nov 1, 2007 | France, Loire Valley, Pouilly-Fume, Sancerre
Domaine André Vatan, Sancerre, Les Charmes 2006 The style point has always been lean and green, offering a sense of the appellation without the over $20 price of the more concentrated offerings. Today’s wine offered riper fruit flavors that are just delicious....
by Ray Johnson | Oct 18, 2007 | France, Muscat, Rivesaltes
Mas Amiel Muscat de Rivesaltes 2005 A vin doux naturel from the esteemed producer in Maury. My notes from early 2007 state: stunning – a fresh and light-bodied dessert wine that brims with Muscat fruit; the alcohol adds body but no burn. Again tonight the...
by Ray Johnson | Oct 18, 2007 | France, Grenache, Rhône
Domaine Richaud Cairanne Cotes du Rhone Villages 2005 When I visited with Marcel Richaud a few years ago, his red wines were concentrated and demonstrated the value in this appellation. Bottles tasted here at home from the 2003 vintage were sometimes spot on and other...
