by Ray Johnson | Jul 27, 2010 | Cotes du Rhone, France, Grenache, Rhône, Syrah
Domaine de la Mordorée Côtes-Du-Rhône “La Dame Rousse” 2008 Give this some air to blow off the stink. Then with 15 minutes the black pepper and red fruits will emerge. In the mouth it is overtly fruity and quite structured, chewy and ready to pair with burgers on the...
by Ray Johnson | Jul 21, 2010 | Carignane, Grenache, Priorat, Spain
Celler Mas Doix, Priorat, Salanques 2006 The nose greets you with a fair waft of oak, sweet with jammy fruit and brown spices. In the mouth this wine is dense yet supple, with ripe tannins and lots of jammy black fruit – quite yummy. The Salanques estate sits at...
by Ray Johnson | Jul 19, 2010 | Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Cotes du Rhone, France, Grenache, Mourvedre, Rhône
Coudoulet de Beaucastel, Cotes-du-Rhone Rouge, 2007 The fruit has both a fresh and dried character, combining cherries, plums and raisins. In the mouth it has an elegant profile, the structure is apparent yet restrained, not dominating the flavors – very nice....
by Ray Johnson | Jun 26, 2010 | Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, Priorat, Syrah
Scala Dei, Priorat, Cartoixa 2003 I found this bottle rattling around in the cellar and was delighted to have the opportunity to taste it again. A few years ago it was still rather tannic and while good, I knew that there were better days to come. And now those days...
by Ray Johnson | Jun 19, 2010 | Australia, Fortified dessert, Grenache, Mourvedre, Port, South Australia, Syrah, Tawny Port
Penfolds, South Australia, Club Reserve, Aged Tawny nv In the nose you’ll find raisins and butterscotch with a sense of the spirit in the background. This all carries on in the mouth with nuttiness, sweetness and well-integrated alcohol. Like the value-oriented...
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...
