by Ray Johnson | Jul 27, 2009 | France, Grenache, Rhône, Syrah, Vacqueyras
Perrin & Fils, Vacqueyras, Les Christins 2006 Black pepper and red fruits combine with a sense of the garrigue when you smell this wine. In the mouth it is structured and ready to accompany a pepper steak; the acidity carries the flavor a long way for the price....
by Ray Johnson | Apr 29, 2009 | Cinsault, Cotes du Rhone, France, Grenache, Mourvedre, Rhône, Syrah
Coudoulet de Beaucastel, Cotes-du-Rhone Rouge, 2005 The black fruits are alight in the nose with a liquer-like character. In the mouth the fruit is very expressive with the structure you’d expect – a great combo. The grapes are sourced from the Coudoulet...
by Ray Johnson | Dec 3, 2008 | Cornas, Cote-Rotie, Hermitage, Rhône, Syrah
This flight features 3 wines from the Northern Rhone, all 100% Syrah. Domaine Eric et Joel Durand, Cornas, Empreintes 2005 In the nose there is tar, a sense of permanent solution, meat and black fruits. With more air the black pepper comes on. On the palate this wine...
by Ray Johnson | Dec 3, 2008 | France, Marsanne, Rhône, Roussanne, Saint-Joseph
Domaine Pierre Gonon, Saint-Joseph, “Les Oliviers” 2006 This bottle of white Saint-Joseph sports a toasty nose, with minerality and nuttiness. The mouth follows a similar line, with toasty, smoky essence and buttery richnss. This is a fat and weighty white...
by Ray Johnson | Dec 3, 2008 | France, Rhône, Vin de Pays des Collines Rhodaniennes, Viognier
Michel & Stéphane Ogier, Vin de Pays des Collines Rhodaniennes, Vigonier de Rosine 2006 You would swear this wine is from the New World when you stick your nose in the glass. The peachy fruit is just so vibrant. In the mouth, this wine is full-bodied and...
by Ray Johnson | Dec 3, 2008 | Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Clairette, France, Grenache Blanc, Rhône
Domaine du Vieux Telegraphe, Chateauneuf-du-Pape, “La Crau” 2006 The wine today is Brunier’s white CDP. In the nose there is baking bread, straw and a subtle sense of stone fruits. In the mouth the wine is quite weighty, mineral driven and enhanced...
