by Ray Johnson | Jun 27, 2010 | California, Merlot, Napa Valley
Luna, Napa Valley, Merlot 2006 The nose features sweet oaky notes and black fruit. In the mouth the black fruits come through with cherries too. The suppleness of Merlot that most consumers seek is on full display in a light-bodied expression that is immediately...
by Ray Johnson | May 12, 2010 | Bordeaux, Cabernet Sauvignon, France, Margaux, Merlot, Saint-Julien
Chateau Giscours, Margaux 2006 The nose of this wine features a strong whiff of smoky oak and leather with red fruits and sweet tobacco. In the mouth, the fruit comes alive, with fresh berries and dried cranberries and the accent of earth and leather – very...
by Ray Johnson | May 12, 2010 | Bordeaux, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Pomerol
Chateau La Conseillante, Pomerol 2007 Toasty, smoky oak meets blueberries and crushed leaves in the nose. In the mouth you’ll find an approachable wine, with ripe tannins, lots of black fruit, complementary leather and lingering acidity – very nice. The...
by Ray Johnson | May 10, 2010 | Bordeaux Style Blends, Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Knights Valley, Merlot, Napa Valley, Sonoma County, Virginia
Kendall-Jackson, Knights Valley, Highland Estates, Trace Ridge, Red Wine 2006 Unfortunately this bottle is corked. The grapes behind this wine are 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Merlot and 7% Petit Verdot. The wine was aged for 19 months in French oak, 45% of which was...
by Ray Johnson | Apr 15, 2010 | Bordeaux, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, France, Graves, Merlot, Pessac-Leognan
Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte, Pessac-Leognan 2006 The smells in the nose include raspberries, cherries, leather and the sweetness and toastiness of oak. In the mouth it is earthy and smoky, exhibiting complexity and a supple texture – very approachable. The grapes...
by Ray Johnson | Apr 9, 2010 | Bordeaux Style Blends, Cabernet Franc, California, Merlot, Paso Robles
Justin Vineyards & Winery, Paso Robles, Justification 2006 The nose features crushed leaves, black fruits, cookie dough with vanilla and sweet tobacco. In the mouth it is quite structured, tight at this point, just a baby. Yet the fruit is there to savor so if...
