by Ray Johnson | Jul 27, 2009 | Banyuls, Fortified dessert, France, Grenache, Roussillon
M. Chapoutier, Banyuls 2007 There’s lots of pruny complexity in the nose. In the mouth it is spot on, nuttiness and raisins tossed in molasses – yum. There was a touch of TCA in the first bottle tasted, described here but it wasn’t terribly...
by Ray Johnson | Jul 27, 2009 | California, Grenache, Paso Robles, Rhone Blend
Tablas Creek Vineyard, Paso Robles, Cotes de Tablas 2006 California sunshine comes through in this New World wine, with ripe liqueur-like fruit and polished edges. There’s a sense of tart cherries and cranberries as well, acidity balancing the ripe character....
by Ray Johnson | Jul 27, 2009 | France, Grenache, Rhône, Syrah, Vacqueyras
Perrin & Fils, Vacqueyras, Les Christins 2006 Black pepper and red fruits combine with a sense of the garrigue when you smell this wine. In the mouth it is structured and ready to accompany a pepper steak; the acidity carries the flavor a long way for the price....
by Ray Johnson | Jul 27, 2009 | France, Grenache, Les Baux de Provence, Provence, Rosé
Mas de Gourgonnier, Les Baux de Provence, Rose 2008 The fruit is evolving away from freshness as this wine seems to be aging prematurely. The mouth is quite gripping – a disappointment. Bottled with a synthetic cork; perhaps the seal was less than adequate? ...
by Ray Johnson | Jul 20, 2009 | Cotes du Rhone, France, Grenache, Syrah
Perrin & Fils, Cotes du Rhone 2007 The nose features black pepper, red fruits and a sense of the garrique. In the mouth this wine is ready to match with a bit of roasted pork; there is moderate acidity, ripe tannins and a creaminess as well. This moderately...
by Ray Johnson | May 12, 2009 | Australia, Barossa, Grenache, South Australia
Yalumba, Barossa, Bush Vine, Grenache 2007 The nose features red fruit, fresh and dried with herbs and brambles. In the mouth the wine is soft, fruity and very light-bodied. The vines that produced this wine are 30 to 70 years old. Produced in Angaston 14.5% $11.99 at...
