by Ray Johnson | Dec 3, 2008 | Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Cotes du Rhone, France, Grenache, Mourvedre, Rasteau
Jean-Luc Colombo, Cotes du Rhone, Les Abeilles 2006 This is a juicy-fruity budget offering from the famous Cornas producer. It drinks easily with a little bit of structure. Eleve et mis in La Roche de Glun in Tain 13.5% $??? Domaine des Girasols, Rasteau Cotes du...
by Ray Johnson | Dec 2, 2008 | Campo De Borja, Grenache, Spain
Bodegas Alto Moncayo, Campo De Borja DO, veraton 2006 This wine exudes the sweet smell of oak with a hint of cedar. The mouth is soft and fruity, having a lusciousness that is true to the house style.This wine is 100% Garnacha. Winemaker Chris Ringland from Australia....
by Ray Johnson | Nov 19, 2008 | Banyuls, Fortified dessert, Grenache, Roussillon
Domaine du Mas Blanc, Banyuls, Rimage 2006 There are Port-like notes of dried and stewed fruits topped with a nutty piece of pastry. The wine tastes of sweet black fruits and chocolate, sweet but not overly so, tasty with some bittersweet chocolate. Mis par Docteur...
by Ray Johnson | Nov 10, 2008 | Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Cotes du Rhone, Dry Creek Valley, Grenache, Lake County, Marsanne, Mendocino County, Mourvedre, Napa Valley, Rhone Blend, Russian River Valley, Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County, Syrah, Viognier
The Rhone Rangers hosted a seminar yesterday featuring wines that pay homage to the grapes made famous in France’s Rhone Valley. The seminar was not bound by geography; there were wines from both sides of the Atlantic. The seminar was also not bound by tradition...
by Ray Johnson | Oct 30, 2008 | California, Grenache, Mourvedre, Paso Robles, Syrah
Tablas Creek Vineyard, Paso Robles, Esprit de Beaucastel 2005 The brett is dominating the nose and while it works for this style of wine, it will put off some looking for a cleaner approach in the New World. The gaminess carries through in the mouth. The tannins are...
by Ray Johnson | Oct 28, 2008 | Chateauneuf-du-Pape, France, Grenache, Mourvedre, Rhône
Andre Brunel, Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Les Cailloux 2005 The nose sports smoke and a healthy but appropriate dose of brett for this wine, accentuating a meatiness. The earthiness repeats in the mouth with an explosion of red fruits. The structure provides the frame around...
