by Ray Johnson | Feb 25, 2010 | Cabernet Sauvignon, Coteaux d'Aix en Provence, France, Provence, Syrah
I was fortunate to visit Chateau Vignelaure back in the 80s – was it ’84 or ’85? Some of my memories are fuzzy. The memory that isn’t fuzzy however, is that Vignelaure was a trend setter, planting Cabernet Sauvignon in Provence, despite the...
by Ray Johnson | Feb 8, 2010 | Bordeaux, Cotes de Castillon, France, Merlot
Chateau Puy Arnaud, Cotes de Castillon 2005 The oak makes its presence known when you smell this wine. In the mouth the full ripeness of the fruit comes through, with ample concentration and plenty of structure – a solid value in $10 Bordeaux. The grape behind...
by Ray Johnson | Feb 8, 2010 | Cabernet Franc, Chinon, France, Loire Valley
Domaine de Beausejour, Chinon 2007 This wine is riper than previous incarnations, showing black fruit beyond the capsicum. In the mouth it is green and gripping but tolerable. 100% Cab Franc with stainless ferment; Gerard et David Chauveau in Panzoult 12.5% $13.59 at...
by Ray Johnson | Feb 8, 2010 | Cotes du Rhone, Cotes du Rhone Villages, France, Grenache, Rhône, Syrah
Perrin & Fils, Cotes du Rhone Villages 2007 The nose features sweet berries and black pepper. In the mouth it quite structured with medium weight; it’s crying out for red meat – nice value from the Rhone. This wine is 50% Syrah and 50% Grenache. Mis en...
by Ray Johnson | Feb 1, 2010 | France, Loire Valley, Sancerre, Sauvignon Blanc
Domaine Vacheron, Sancerre 2008 The nose sports minerality and lime. In the mouth you’ll find concentrated citrus, a sense of austerity, a very dry wine with overt minerality – very nice and very long. The only thing missing is the chevre. The family tends...
by Ray Johnson | Jan 10, 2010 | Chenin Blanc, France, Loire Valley, Montlouis sur Loire
Francois Chidaine, Montlouis sur Loire, Clos Habert 2007 This wine was a tremendous disappointment after my experience with the previous vintage, reviewed earlier. First it was worrisome that the colour was quite golden. Smelling the wine was a first rate example of...
