by Ray Johnson | Nov 16, 2009 | Australia, McLaren Vale, South Australia, Syrah
Pirramimma, McLaren Vale, Shiraz 2005 There’s a heavy heft of oak in this wine, from the beginning to the end with a dark chocolate character as well. Winemaker Geoff Johnston GP&B in McLaren Vale 14% $18.79 at Bottle Barn Pirramimma
by Ray Johnson | Nov 9, 2009 | Australia, Marsanne, McLaren Vale, Rhone Blend, South Australia, Viognier
d’Arenberg, McLaren Vale, The Hermit Crab 2008 The nose features a combo of the herbaceousness that we can find with Marsanne and the overt peaches that we often see with Viognier. The mouth shows us an oily richness overtop of peaches – thick and mouth-filling....
by Ray Johnson | May 18, 2009 | Australia, Pinot Gris and Grigio, South Australia
Robert Oatley, South Australia, Pinot Grigio 2008 This is 100% Pinot Grigio; most of the grapes were sourced from Currency Creek, south of my alma mater Adelaide and a bit came in from the Alpine Valleys of Victoria. Production was all stainless, the final RS is 4 g/l...
by Ray Johnson | May 12, 2009 | Australia, Barossa, Grenache, South Australia
Yalumba, Barossa, Bush Vine, Grenache 2007 The nose features red fruit, fresh and dried with herbs and brambles. In the mouth the wine is soft, fruity and very light-bodied. The vines that produced this wine are 30 to 70 years old. Produced in Angaston 14.5% $11.99 at...
by Ray Johnson | May 12, 2009 | Australia, Clare Valley, Riesling, South Australia
Grosset, Clare Valley, Polish Hill, Riesling 2008 As in the past, lots of lime that goes a long time! Tasted again in January ’10, the classic petrol notes are coming out. Grosset always captures the notion of concentrated wine and here in a very dry, austere...
by Ray Johnson | Jan 20, 2009 | Australia, McLaren Vale, South Australia, Syrah
d’Arenberg, McLaren Vale, The Dead Arm, Shiraz 2006 This wine is dense all around, from the color to the palate. Black fruits combine with hints of eucalyptus. The mouth is taught, just a baby yet the tannins are ripe with no astringency. Aged in new and one use...
