by Ray Johnson | Jul 27, 2009 | France, Grenache, Les Baux de Provence, Provence, Rosé
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 was less than adequate? ...
by Ray Johnson | Apr 14, 2009 | Cabernet Sauvignon, Carignane, France, Grenache, Les Baux de Provence, Provence, Syrah
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 Reserve du Mas has always been a...
by Ray Johnson | Nov 19, 2008 | Cotes de Provence, France, Provence
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 bouteille by the Bunan family in La...
by Ray Johnson | Nov 12, 2008 | Cabernet Sauvignon, France, Napa Valley, Provence, Syrah, Vin de Pays des Bouches du Rhone
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 trying to get at. Along with this, you...
by Ray Johnson | Nov 12, 2008 | Bandol, Mourvedre, Provence
La Bastide Blanche, Bandol 2006 The fruit has a jammy character, a bit liquer-like accentuated by the parfume of sweet flowers. In the mouth, the black fruits are ripe and the tannins are too, showing themselves in a velvety way – very nice. The vines are...
by Ray Johnson | Nov 12, 2008 | Bandol, France, Provence, Rosé
Domaine Tempier, Bandol, Rose 2007 The nose is clean and full of candied fruit, like those watermelon candies you might have eaten when you were little. The feel in the mouth is thick and low acid, a rich and slightly warm style of rose. The wine is about half...
