by Ray Johnson | Oct 14, 2009 | Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, Merlot, Priorat, Spain, Syrah
Vall Llach, Priorat DOQ, Embruix 2005 The nose features a sweetness, black fruits with blackberry jam. In the mouth the sweet theme continues, with very ripe, jammy fruit, density yet suppleness, warmth, a bit of tannin and lowish acidity, a sense that this wine came...
by Ray Johnson | Sep 22, 2009 | Rioja, Spain, Tempranillo
Marques de Caceres, Rioja, Reserva 2001 The nose smells of stewed cherries, evolving nicely, developing complexity. In the mouth, the characteristic acidity is on display, on a plate of suppleness, with leather, olive and cherries – very nice. The fruit is a...
by Ray Johnson | Aug 3, 2009 | Andalucia, Jerez, Pedro Ximenez, Sherry, Spain
Lustau, Jerez, (Sherry) Denominaciónes de Origen, Solera Reserva, Pedro Ximenez, San Emilio nv The glass is packed with molasses, caramel and toffee. In the mouth it is among the thickest of dessert wines, very rich, very complex and evocative of prunes and raisins...
by Ray Johnson | Aug 3, 2009 | Grenache, Rioja, Spain, Tempranillo
Bodegas Palacios Remondo, Rioja DOC, La Vendimia 2007 The nose offers minty green character with liquer-like fruit. In the mouth it is quite fruity, a little chewy with a light body and a lingering creaminess. The grapes are approximately Tempranillo and Garnacha....
by Ray Johnson | Aug 3, 2009 | Carignane, Grenache, Priorat, Spain
Cims de Porrera, Priorat, Solanes 2004 This wine expresses ripe black fruits with a supple mouthfeel. The grapes behind this wine are are 40% Carignan, 30% Grenache, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot and 5% Syrah, from 60-100 year-old vines grown at 400-600 metres on...
by Ray Johnson | Aug 3, 2009 | Albariño, Galicia, Rias Baixas, Spain
Condes de Albarei, Rias Baixas DO, Albarino 2008 Notes on this vintage parallel the previous: Fully aromatic and lip smacking with a sweet/tart character – delicious. Check that – I don’t mean that the wine is literally sweet, but rather the fruit is...
