by Ray Johnson | Jun 8, 2010 | Cabernet Sauvignon, France, Grenache, Les Baux de Provence, Provence, Syrah
Domaine Hauvette, Les Baux de Provence 2004 The nose of the ’04 features fresh and dried fruits, floral notes and the herbs of the Provencal landscape. In the mouth you’ll find structure to marry with dinner and a bit of gamey horse blanket that suggests...
by Ray Johnson | May 14, 2010 | California, Carneros, Champagne, Chardonnay, France, Pinot Noir, Sparkling Dry
Perrier-Jouet, Champagne, Cuvee Belle Epoque, Fleur de Champagne, Brut 2000 The cork was quite compacted and the bottle opened with hardly a whisper. The color is taking on a light golden hue. Yet in the nose it delivers the fresh apples and apple pie, with a dash of...
by Ray Johnson | May 12, 2010 | Bordeaux, France, Sauternes, Semillon
Chateau Climens, Barsac 2005 What is wonderful about this wine is the amount of fruit that shows, from citrus to the tropical notes of pineapple. Sure, there is the expected richness of honey and appropriate volatility, but the coupling of the fruit makes this a star....
by Ray Johnson | May 12, 2010 | Bordeaux, Cabernet Sauvignon, France, Margaux, Merlot, Saint-Julien
Chateau Giscours, Margaux 2006 The nose of this wine features a strong whiff of smoky oak and leather with red fruits and sweet tobacco. In the mouth, the fruit comes alive, with fresh berries and dried cranberries and the accent of earth and leather – very...
by Ray Johnson | May 5, 2010 | Burgundy, Chablis, Chardonnay, France
Domaine William Fevre, Chablis Premier Cru, Montmains 2008 The nose is tight and not yet very expressive. In the mouth however, there is concentrated green apple, topped with buttery richness and plenty of acidity to provide freshness – very nice. This domaine...
by Ray Johnson | Apr 19, 2010 | Cotes du Rhone, France, Grenache, Rosé, Syrah
Domaine de la Mordoree, Cotes-du-Rhone, La Dame Rousse, Rose 2009 In the nose you’ll find red fruits, like cherries and a bit of strawberry that carries through on a broad, lowish acid palate. The grapes behind this pink wine are 50% Grenache, 40% Syrah, and 10%...
