by Ray Johnson | Nov 20, 2007 | France, Grenache, Rhône, Rosé, Tavel
Domaine de la Mordoree Tavel La Dame Rousse 2006 Smells of strawberry and bisquits. There’s a broad mouthfeel with fruit to taste and added weight compared to other roses – very nice. The grapes behind this pink wine are 60% Grenache, 10-20% Syrah, 10%...
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 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 | Oct 19, 2007 | Alexander Valley, Australia, California, Grenache, McLaren Vale, Rhone Blend
Pirramimma McLaren Vale Old Bush Vine Grenache 2003 The last two tastings of this wine earlier in 2007 showed the fruit of Grenache with ever-integrating oak. Again tonight it is supple and the raisiny fruit is surounded by acidity and still kissed by oak. This is...
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...
