by Ray Johnson | Apr 17, 2009 | California, Howell Mountain, Merlot, Napa Valley
Fleury Estate Winery, Howell Mountain, Napa Valley, Merlot 2006 This wine reminds us that Merlot need not be flacid. Acidity enhances the plumminess of Merlot and makes it all the more food-friendly. At the same time, the fruitiness and plush texture makes this wine...
by Ray Johnson | Apr 14, 2009 | Bordeaux, Cabernet Sauvignon, France, Merlot, Pauillac
Chateau Grand-Puy Ducasse, Pauillac, Grand Cru Classe 2005 The nose features sweet black fruit, earthiness and wet stones. In the mouth there is an appropriate amount of acidity, a little on the tart side with ripe tannins and a moderate level of concentration. The...
by Ray Johnson | Jan 13, 2009 | Dry Creek Valley, Merlot, Sonoma County
Dry Creek Vineyard, Dry Creek Valley, Merlot 2005 Plums and brambles mark the nose. The fruit is framed by acidity in the mouth which carries the flavor of this light-bodied wine a long way – elegant wine. P&B in Healdsburg 13.5% $19 at the winery Dry Creek...
by Ray Johnson | Dec 22, 2008 | California, Merlot
Mirassou, California, Merlot 2006 The smells are of sweet, jammy black fruits. In the mouth this wine is quite supple and slightly sweet, melting a sense of vanilla into the black fruits. A bit of Zinfandel and Syrah augments the Merlot. V&B in Modesto, 13.95% $12...
by Ray Johnson | Nov 6, 2008 | Bordeaux Style Blends, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Merlot, Napa Valley
Flora Springs, Napa Valley, Trilogy 2001 There is a medley of brown spices in the nose and a supple, now is the time to drink this, profile in the mouth. There’s complexity and the acidic frame carrying on – nice. Tasted one year later in November...
by Ray Johnson | Nov 6, 2008 | Bordeaux, France, Merlot, Pomerol
Chateau Nenin, Pomerol 2002 Stepping back a year to the ’02, there is a sense of earthy cheese rind in the nose. This is much more rustic than the ’03, with ample acidity and chewy tannins. Notes on the newer ’03: My earlier notes this year show a...
