by Ray Johnson | Nov 5, 2008 | France, Loire Valley, Pouilly-Fume, Sauvignon Blanc
Domaine Didier Dagueneau, Pouilly-Fume, Pur Sang 2004 In this wine there is the smell of cat pee and minerality. The mouth is very concentrated and long, with ripe citrus flavors like orange and tangerine. This Sauvignon is barrel fermented. Produced in Sant Andelain...
by Ray Johnson | Nov 5, 2008 | Chenin Blanc, France, Loire Valley, Savennieres
Domaine des Baumard, Savennières, Clos du Papillon 2004 This nose lights up with minerality and matchstick as the sulfur works it way into the air. There’s lanolin and a hint of green as well. The nose is full-on, intense acidity yet not acid alone. There is a...
by Ray Johnson | Nov 5, 2008 | France, Loire Valley, Muscadet
Domaine de la Louvetrie, Muscadet Sevre et Maine, Sur Lie, Hermine d’Or 2007 Tart and a bit like biting into the skin of a lime with the full fruit intensity of the lime as well. Yes, there’s the acidity you expect from Muscadet but this is hardly a lean...
by Ray Johnson | Nov 4, 2008 | Bourgueil, Cabernet Franc, France, Loire Valley
Domaine de la Butte, Bourgueil, “Le Pied de la Butte” 2007 The leafiness that you’d expect with fresh fruit of a Beaujolais. This is light-bodied and zippy with acidity and fruit in the mouth – a quaffer from the appellation. This is all Cab...
by Ray Johnson | Nov 4, 2008 | Chenin Blanc, France, Loire Valley, Montlouis sur Loire
Francois Chidaine, Montlouis sur Loire, Clos Habert 2006 In the nose there is a complex mix of minerality and honey while the fruit flavors flow in the mouth from citrus to tropical with comparable acidity – very nice. The estate’s vineyards are certified...
by Ray Johnson | Sep 3, 2008 | Bourgueil, Cabernet Franc, Loire Valley
Domaine de la Chanteleuserie, Bourgueil Cuvée Alouettes 2006 The previous vintage of the Cuvee Beauvais showed the characteristic green of Cab Franc from the area with enough fruit to back it up. This wine is a bit reductive and tarry with black fruit and minerality...
