by Ray Johnson | Mar 19, 2011 | France, Loire Valley, Sancerre, Sauvignon Blanc
Domaine André Vatan, Sancerre, Les Charmes 2009 This has been a consistent, value-priced Sancerre that I have often reached for since a visit with Andre in ’98. As in previous vintages, the nose features grass, lemon, minerality and perfume. In the mouth it is...
by Ray Johnson | Jun 19, 2010 | Chenin Blanc, France, Loire Valley
Domaine Le Peu de la Moriette (Domaine Pichot), Vouvray 2009 The nose is a little dead on the first bottle opened – I suspect a low level of TCA. Fortunately, the second and third bottles have a much more vivid expression of fruit when you smell them. In the...
by Ray Johnson | Apr 19, 2010 | Bourgueil, Cabernet Franc, Loire Valley
Domaine de la Butte, Bourgueil, “Le Pied de la Butte” 2008 At first opening this is pretty stinky so give it a good airing and then you’ll find the beautiful fruit. In the mouth it is light-bodied and fruity with lots of acidity and some gripping astringency....
by Ray Johnson | Apr 12, 2010 | France, Loire Valley, Sancerre, Sauvignon Blanc
Domaine André Vatan, Sancerre, Les Charmes 2008 The nose features grass, lemon, minerality and perfume. In the mouth it is bracing with a sense of freshly sqeezed lemon juice – very nice. André Vatan is a generous and gregarious man who also makes wood aged...
by Ray Johnson | Feb 8, 2010 | Cabernet Franc, Chinon, France, Loire Valley
Domaine de Beausejour, Chinon 2007 This wine is riper than previous incarnations, showing black fruit beyond the capsicum. In the mouth it is green and gripping but tolerable. 100% Cab Franc with stainless ferment; Gerard et David Chauveau in Panzoult 12.5% $13.59 at...
by Ray Johnson | Feb 1, 2010 | France, Loire Valley, Sancerre, Sauvignon Blanc
Domaine Vacheron, Sancerre 2008 The nose sports minerality and lime. In the mouth you’ll find concentrated citrus, a sense of austerity, a very dry wine with overt minerality – very nice and very long. The only thing missing is the chevre. The family tends...
