by Ray Johnson | May 28, 2012 | Cabernet Sauvignon, Italy, Merlot, Sangiovese, Umbria
Falesco, Umbria IGT, Vitiano 2005 This wine is showing nicely at a point in its evolution over 6 years since the grapes were harvested. It is light-bodied as expected, as it was in bottles tasted early on. Yet what we have now is complexity beyond the primary fruit...
by Ray Johnson | Mar 19, 2011 | Burgundy, Chianti, Chianti Classico, France, Italy, Marsannay, Pinot Noir, Sangiovese, Tuscany
Louis Latour, Marsannay, Rouge 2007 The nose displays earthiness and meatiness upon first opening with a bit of black fruit in the background. In the mouth it is quite hard at this point in time. Mis en bouteille a Beaune 13% purchased for $13.59 at Bottle Barn Maison...
by Ray Johnson | Mar 19, 2011 | Amador County, Barbera, California, Carignane, Grenache, Priorat, Sangiovese, Spain
Noceto, Amador County, Sangiovese 2008 The nose features fresh cherries and the sweet complexity of chery pie. In the mouth it is light-bodied and acidic with a little bit of grip. Produced and bottled by Suzy and Jim Gullett 14.2% purchased for $13.69 at Bottle Barn...
by Ray Johnson | Feb 23, 2011 | California, Pinot Gris and Grigio, Sangiovese, Sonoma Coast, Sparkling Lightly Sweet, Super Tuscan, Temecula
South Coast Winery, Temecula Valley, Pinot Grigio, Sparkling Wine nv The nose is quite aromatic, assertive in its fruity and floral characters. I was reminded of the vibrant aromas that I associate with top-notch Prosecco from the Veneto. It is quite a fine...
by Ray Johnson | Jul 26, 2010 | Chianti, Chianti Classico, Italy, Sangiovese, Tuscany
Isole e Olena, Chianti Classico 2006 Cherries and cranberries mark the nose with a touch of earth and smoke. In the mouth it is perfectly tart, light-bodied and ready to accompany roasted chicken. There’s long, lingering cherry flavor and acidity – nice....
by Ray Johnson | Jul 14, 2010 | Chianti, Chianti Classico, Italy, Montalcino, Sangiovese, Tuscany
Castello della Paneretta, Chianti Clasico 2006 The nose shows baked cherries and brown spices. In the mouth the cherry fruit is quite vibrant as is the acidity which matches it – nice.The grapes behind this wine are 90% Sangiovese and 10% Canaiolo. Estate...