by Ray Johnson | Jul 27, 2009 | California, Grenache, Paso Robles, Rhone Blend
Tablas Creek Vineyard, Paso Robles, Cotes de Tablas 2006 California sunshine comes through in this New World wine, with ripe liqueur-like fruit and polished edges. There’s a sense of tart cherries and cranberries as well, acidity balancing the ripe character....
by Ray Johnson | Apr 29, 2009 | California, Grenache, Paso Robles, Rosé, Temecula
South Coast, California, Grenache, Rose 2007 In the nose there is candy, flowers and the smell something citrus. The mouth is plump and amplified by a about 1% RS. This took the sweepstake award for pink wine at the Chronicle Wine Competition in January. Nice wine....
by Ray Johnson | Apr 1, 2009 | California, Muscat, Paso Robles
Robert Hall, Paso Robles, Margaret’s Vineyard, Orange Muscat 2008 This is sweet smelling perfume in a bottle. This is the lighter side of dessert wine with an RS level that is just above what we might call semi-sweet table wine – very fresh. The 2007 version...
by Ray Johnson | Oct 30, 2008 | California, Grenache, Mourvedre, Paso Robles, Syrah
Tablas Creek Vineyard, Paso Robles, Esprit de Beaucastel 2005 The brett is dominating the nose and while it works for this style of wine, it will put off some looking for a cleaner approach in the New World. The gaminess carries through in the mouth. The tannins are...
by Ray Johnson | Oct 24, 2008 | California, Muscat, Paso Robles
James David, Paso Robles, Penman Springs Vineyard, Muscat Blanc 2007 There’s a great variety of floral notes, from the sweet ones like honesuckle to roses and spicey numbers. The mouth is light-bodied and citrusy with a real sense of eating those flowers –...
by Ray Johnson | Jul 14, 2008 | California, Paso Robles, Port, San Luis Obispo County, Touriga Nacional
Robert Hall, Paso Robles, Vintage Port 2005 A sumptuous berry dessert with integrated alcohol. The grapes are traditional, as in Portugal, 36% Touriga, 30% Alvarelhao, 20% Souzao and 14% Tinta Cao. Aged in barrel for 24 months. Winemaker Don Brady. P&B in Paso...
