Category Archives: Provence

Sonoma State Sensory Evaluation Workshop

Posted on March 28, 2013 by Ray Johnson

Staying ahead of flaws in the cellar and quantifying perceptual differences and consumer preferences are critical to a winery’s bottom line.  Following our return from New Zealand, Sonoma State’s Wine Business Institute will partner with VESTA to again offer this … Continue reading →

Posted in Albariño, Alsace, Alto Adige, Andalucia, Barbera, Barbera d'Asti, Barolo, Bordeaux, California, Chardonnay, Cinsault, Dealcoholized, Fortified dessert, France, Gewurztraminer, Graves, Italy, Jerez, Madeira, Malmsey, Malvasia, Marlborough, Merlot, Napa County, Napa Valley, Nebbiolo, New Zealand, Palomino, Pessac-Leognan, Piemonte, Pinot Noir, Port, Portugal, Provence, Rosé, Russian River Valley, Sancerre, Sauternes, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Sherry, Sonoma County, South Africa, Spain, Tawny Port, Var, Vinho Verde, Western Cape | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Domaine Hauvette Rouge

Posted on June 8, 2010 by Ray Johnson

Domaine Hauvette, Les Baux de Provence 2004 The nose of the ’04 features fresh and dried fruits, floral notes and the herbs of the Provencal landscape. In the mouth you’ll find structure to marry with dinner and a bit of … Continue reading →

Posted in Cabernet Sauvignon, France, Grenache, Les Baux de Provence, Provence, Syrah | 2 Comments

Domaine de Trevallon 2006

Posted on April 28, 2010 by Ray Johnson

Domaine de Trevallon, Vin de Pays des Bouches du Rhone 2006 As in the previous vintage, there is a New World ripeness to the fruit expressed in the nose, sweet and intense. In the mouth it is a tannic, mouth-gripping … Continue reading →

Posted in Cabernet Sauvignon, Provence, Syrah, Vin de Pays des Bouches du Rhone | 1 Comment

Chateau Vignelaure

Posted on February 25, 2010 by Ray Johnson

I was fortunate to visit Chateau Vignelaure back in the 80s – was it ’84 or ’85?  Some of my memories are fuzzy. The memory that isn’t fuzzy however, is that Vignelaure was a trend setter, planting Cabernet Sauvignon in … Continue reading →

Posted in Cabernet Sauvignon, Coteaux d'Aix en Provence, France, Provence, Syrah | Tagged | Leave a comment

Domaine Hauvette Blanc de Blancs 2006

Posted on December 27, 2009 by Ray Johnson

Domaine Hauvette, Vin de Pays des Alpilles, Blanc de Blancs 2006 The nose features sweet floral notes with peaches, nectarines and a bit of poire eau-de-vie. In the mouth it is soft, lowish in acidity and very lush with a … Continue reading →

Posted in Clairette, France, Marsanne, Provence, Roussanne, Vin de Pays des Alpilles | Tagged | Leave a comment

Pibarnon Bandol 2005

Posted on October 21, 2009 by Ray Johnson

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 … Continue reading →

Posted in Bandol, France, Mourvedre, Provence | Leave a comment

Gourgonnier Rose 2008

Posted on July 27, 2009 by Ray Johnson

Mas de Gourgonnier, Les Baux de Provence, Rose 2008 The fruit is evolving away from freshness as this wine seems to be aging prematurely. The mouth is quite gripping – a disappointment. Bottled with a synthetic cork; perhaps the seal … Continue reading →

Posted in France, Grenache, Les Baux de Provence, Provence, Rosé | 2 Comments

Gourgonnier Red 2006

Posted on April 14, 2009 by Ray Johnson

Mas de Gourgonnier, Les Baux de Provence, Rouge 2006 As in previous vintages, the band-aids are working in tandem with the black fruits. The mouth also repeats a similar profile in that it is quite gripping with much astringency. The … Continue reading →

Posted in Cabernet Sauvignon, Carignane, France, Grenache, Les Baux de Provence, Provence, Syrah | Leave a comment

Bunan Cotes de Provence

Posted on November 19, 2008 by Ray Johnson

Domaines Bunan, Cotes de Provence 2006 The nose is very lively with fruit, as in some whole berries in the fermentation amping up the fruitiness. This follows through in mouth with ample acidity and ripe tannins – nice. Mis en … Continue reading →

Posted in Cotes de Provence, France, Provence | Leave a comment

Domaine de Trevallon 2005

Posted on November 12, 2008 by Ray Johnson

Domaine de Trevallon, Vin de Pays des Bouches du Rhone 2005 The nose sports the sort of lively, jammy fruit that we associate with California Zinfandel. Obviously it’s not, but it is the intensity of the fruit that I am … Continue reading →

Posted in Cabernet Sauvignon, France, Napa Valley, Provence, Syrah, Vin de Pays des Bouches du Rhone | Tagged | Leave a comment