by Ray Johnson | May 15, 2009 | Bordeaux Style Blends, Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Knights Valley, Merlot, Sonoma County
Peter Michael Winery, Knights Valley, L’Esprit des Pavots 2005 There’s chocolate, oak, leather and Cassis in the nose. In the mouth this wine is quite structured, with great depth of flavor, a sense of glycerine adding to the viscosity while at the same...
by Ray Johnson | May 6, 2009 | Alexander Valley, California, Merlot, Sonoma County
Robert Young, Alexander Valley, Merlot 2005 California Merlot in which the fruit is alive and the acidity is not shy – now that is beautiful. A bit of leafiness and caramel complements the fruit, adding complexity. There’s a hint of tannin in ripe way and...
by Ray Johnson | May 6, 2009 | Bordeaux, Cabernet Sauvignon, France, Merlot, Pomerol
Chateau Rouget, Pomerol 2005 This wine shows the classic example of tolerated brett. There are Band-Aids competing with ripe fruits in the nose. With 30 minutes the fruit starts to strut into the open. The mouth features the same with a supple texture, rustic yet...
by Ray Johnson | May 1, 2009 | Alexander Valley, Bordeaux Style Blends, Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Merlot, Sonoma County
Trione, Alexander Valley, Geyserville Ranch, Red Wine 2005 In the nose there is cassis and tobacco, a blend of California and Bordeaux. In the mouth, there is the taste of dark chocolate and berries and a fully-structured palate – just a baby. The grapes behind...
by Ray Johnson | Apr 24, 2009 | Alexander Valley, Bordeaux Style Blends, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Malbec, Meritage, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Sonoma County
Geyser Peak, Alexander Valley, Reserve Alexandre, Meritage 1999 The nose is drying out yet there is quite a bit of chocolate to enjoy. The mouth has reached a rather astringent phase, drying out. The acidity is carrying some nice elements of dried cherry along but...
by Ray Johnson | Apr 22, 2009 | Cabernet Sauvignon, Carignane, Italy, Merlot, Sardegna
Agricola Punica, Isola dei Nuraghi IGT, Barrua 2004 Earthy notes dominate the nose initially along with dried and pruny fruit. The mouth features ripe New World-like fruit with substantial structure. Give this baby some time in the cellar. Bottled in Santadi 14%...
