by Ray Johnson | May 7, 2010 | Grenache, Rioja, Spain, Tempranillo
R. Lopez de Heredia, Rioja, Crianza, Viña Cubillo 2003 The smell of this wine pulls me in – there’s a complex mix spices, leather, stewed cherries and raisins. In the mouth the acidity that I associate with Rioja is evident, making this wine ready to pair...
by Ray Johnson | Apr 28, 2010 | California, Grenache, Rhône, Rosé, Syrah, Tavel
This flight is a great comparison of two different approaches to rose, one with rapier-like acidity and the other with a broad and weighty mouthfeel. The Ojai Vineyard, California, Rose 2009 This rose shows an expression of citrus and cherries in the nose, along with...
by Ray Johnson | Apr 28, 2010 | California, Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Counoise, Grenache, Mourvedre, Paso Robles, Rhône, Rhone Blend, Syrah
Tablas Creek Vineyard, Paso Robles, Cotes de Tablas 2008 The fruit is fresh and lively in the nose, with floral notes and sweet spice. In the mouth it is medium-bodied, very fruity and structured, making it a winner with grilled pork and a fruity but savoury reduction...
by Ray Johnson | Apr 21, 2010 | Campo De Borja, Grenache, Spain
Bodegas Alto Moncayo, Campo De Borja 2007 This wine smells like dessert personified, with vanilla, cherries and pastry dough. In the mouth it is soft and fruity, quite rich and laden with oak, as it has been consistently over the vintages – a real crowd pleaser....
by Ray Johnson | Apr 19, 2010 | Campo De Borja, Grenache, Spain, Tempranillo
Bodegas Borsao, Campo de Borja DO 2008 As in the previous vintage, the fruit just leaps out of the glass and has a candy element to it with a bit of black pepper. This is exactly what I smelled the last time around. In the mouth this wine is light-bodied, tasting of...
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%...
