by Ray Johnson | Jan 29, 2009 | Marlborough, New Zealand, Pinot Noir
Saint Clair, Marlborough, Pinot Noir 2007 Give this new vintage a little air to blow off a bit of reductive character. The fruit is quite alive in the mouth, clean and lively with a price that makes it a great value! The previous vintage was the class favorite on the...
by Ray Johnson | Nov 21, 2008 | Central Otago, Lake Wanaka, New Zealand, Pinot Noir
Rippon, Central Otago, Lake Wanaka, Pinot Noir 2006 This vintage sports smoky and toasty notes in the nose. The mouth is densely packed with fruit and the ample acidity carries the flavor for a long time. Notes on the previous vintage: Lots of brown spices and black...
by Ray Johnson | Nov 21, 2008 | Marlborough, New Zealand, Pinot Noir
Sherwood Estate, Marlborough, Pinot Noir 2007 Brambles, earth and green spices mark the nose and the fruit is still in the background, waiting to come out. In the mouth though, the fruit is poignant, framed by lots of acidity. Proprietors Dayne & Jill Sherwood....
by Ray Johnson | Sep 11, 2008 | Marlborough, New Zealand, Sauvignon Blanc
The Drylands and Omaka Springs shine in this flight and show two slightly different taste profiles. Drylands, Marlborough, Sauvignon Blanc 2007 A pungent rush of gooseberry jumps out of the glass when you pour this wine with cut grass in the background. The same...
by Ray Johnson | Aug 14, 2008 | Marlborough, New Zealand, Sauvignon Blanc
Whitehaven, Marlborough, Sauvignon Blanc 2007 This is full-throttle gooseberries and herbaceousness with loads of acidity – a delicious mouthful of citrus fruit and green peppers. Our friends Chuck and Barbara brought over the ’06 version to share with us...
by Ray Johnson | May 1, 2008 | Casablanca Valley, Chile, Languedoc, New Zealand, Pinot Noir
Les Carabenes Vin de Pays d’Oc 2006 Too bad this sample is corked. Imported by PlanetWine in Oakland Mis in the postal code F-11300 13.5% 14.99 at Traverso’s Greenstone Point South Island Pinot Noir 2006 A little weedy, very firm and tart – quite an...
