by Ray Johnson | Oct 16, 2009 | California, Merlot, Napa Valley
Grgich Hills, Napa Valley, Estate Grown, Merlot 2004 There’s lots of plummy fruit in the nose. In the mouth you’ll find the characteristic Merlot suppleness, with nice density, a healthy kiss of oak and a lingering creaminess. The grapes for this wine are...
by Ray Johnson | Oct 14, 2009 | Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, Merlot, Priorat, Spain, Syrah
Vall Llach, Priorat DOQ, Embruix 2005 The nose features a sweetness, black fruits with blackberry jam. In the mouth the sweet theme continues, with very ripe, jammy fruit, density yet suppleness, warmth, a bit of tannin and lowish acidity, a sense that this wine came...
by Ray Johnson | Oct 10, 2009 | Alexander Valley, Bordeaux Style Blends, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Dry Creek Valley, Malbec, Merlot, Sonoma County
Spragia Family Vineyards, Dry Creek Valley, Home Ranch, Merlot 2006 The nose features a strong blast of fresh oak. In the mouth that note carries through, with plummy fruit, a little warmth and a supple texture. V&B in St. Helena 15.6% $19.99 at Bottle Barn...
by Ray Johnson | Oct 7, 2009 | Cabernet Franc, Italy, Merlot, Tuscany
Tenuta di Biserno, Toscana, Insoglio del cinghiale IGT 2006 There’s a sense of France in this wine from Tuscany, with black fruit, an herbaceous edge and tannic grip. The grapes are Syrah, Cabernet Franc and Merlot. This winery is shepherded by Lodovico and...
by Ray Johnson | Oct 3, 2009 | Bennett Valley, California, Merlot, Sonoma County
Frostwatch, Bennett Valley, Sonoma County, Merlot 2006 Sweet toasty oak complements the plummy fruit in the nose. In the mouth this wine delivers ripe Merlot, with the tannins fully developed, a warm and plush texture and a toasty oak accent in the background. The...
by Ray Johnson | Sep 29, 2009 | Bordeaux Style Blends, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Malbec, Merlot, Napa Valley, Petit Verdot, Stags Leap District
Franciscan, Napa Valley, Magnificat 2004 This wine exudes sweet ripe fruit in the nose. This profile follows through in the mouth with chalky tannins and lingering acidity. Produced and bottled in Rutherford 14.5% $50 at the winery for the latest vintage ’05...
