by Ray Johnson | Jan 8, 2011 | California, Contra Costa County, Germany, Mourvedre, Pfalz, Pinot Noir, Rosé
I was riffling through my wines today and spotted that I had left a few bottles of pink wine undrunk from the summer stash – time to get cracking! Villa Wolf, Pfalz, Pinot Noir, Rose 2009 The aromatics are muted in the nose yet in the mouth there is a sense of...
by Ray Johnson | Jul 19, 2010 | Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Cotes du Rhone, France, Grenache, Mourvedre, Rhône
Coudoulet de Beaucastel, Cotes-du-Rhone Rouge, 2007 The fruit has both a fresh and dried character, combining cherries, plums and raisins. In the mouth it has an elegant profile, the structure is apparent yet restrained, not dominating the flavors – very nice....
by Ray Johnson | Jun 19, 2010 | Australia, Fortified dessert, Grenache, Mourvedre, Port, South Australia, Syrah, Tawny Port
Penfolds, South Australia, Club Reserve, Aged Tawny nv In the nose you’ll find raisins and butterscotch with a sense of the spirit in the background. This all carries on in the mouth with nuttiness, sweetness and well-integrated alcohol. Like the value-oriented...
by Ray Johnson | Apr 28, 2010 | California, Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Counoise, Grenache, Mourvedre, Paso Robles, Rhône, Rhone Blend, Syrah
Tablas Creek Vineyard, Paso Robles, Cotes de Tablas 2008 The fruit is fresh and lively in the nose, with floral notes and sweet spice. In the mouth it is medium-bodied, very fruity and structured, making it a winner with grilled pork and a fruity but savoury reduction...
by Ray Johnson | Oct 21, 2009 | Bandol, France, Mourvedre, Provence
Chateau de Pibarnon, Bandol 2005 The nose is quite spicy, borrowing both brown and green entries from the spice rack. In the mouth this wine is quite substantial, big in structure and acidity that drives the flavor for a long time. This is just a baby now – give...
by Ray Johnson | Oct 21, 2009 | California, Contra Costa County, Mourvedre
Cline, Contra Costa County, Ancient Vines, Mourvedre 2007 Give this some air as it is a little reductive upon first opening. In the mouth the black fruit is apparent with ample acidity and light body. P&B in Sonoma 15% $10.99 at Bottle Barn Cline Cellars Cline,...