by Ray Johnson | Aug 4, 2012 | Cremant d'Alsace, France, Pinot Blanc, Sparkling Dry
Lucien Albrecht, Cremant d’Alsace, Brut, Blanc de Blancs nv In the nose there are fresh fruits like pears and yellow apples. In the mouth this wine is fruit-forward, moderately acidic with some creaminess, like one finds with the domaine’s rose – a nice value...
by Ray Johnson | Jul 7, 2012 | Champagne, Chardonnay, France, Pinot Noir, Sparkling Dry
Bollinger, Champagne, La Grande Annee, Brut 2000 The nose is nutty, featuring dried fruits, oranges with brown spices and a note of mushrooms sauteed in butter. In the mouth this vintage is elegant, with subtle orange and apple flavors, and long, lingering acidity....
by Ray Johnson | Jul 7, 2012 | Champagne, Chardonnay, France, Pinot Noir, Sparkling Dry
During a trip to Italy and Slovenia we had the opportunity to sample a number of delicious wines while in the care of BA. First up was a tasting of 2 bubblies in the lounge at Heathrow. Pol Roger, Champagne, Extra Cuvee de Reserve 1999 In the nose this Champagne is...
by Ray Johnson | Apr 14, 2012 | Alsace, France, Pinot Blanc, Sparkling Dry
Pierre Sparr, Cremant d’Alsace, Brut, Reserve The nose features sweet flowers, a perfumed character, with pears and apples. In the mouth there is a soft impression, fruity with moderate acidity – nicely crafted as an aperitif. The grapes behind this wine...
by Ray Johnson | May 25, 2011 | California, Sauvignon Blanc, South Coast, Sparkling Dry, Temecula
The team at VESTA joined today’s tasting of wines from Southern California. Ray’s sense of time zones (or lack of sense) led to us beginning at 4:00 p.m. Central Time, giving us the jump on the group tasting in Temecula. Here’s a preview of two of...
by Ray Johnson | Jan 1, 2011 | Champagne, France, Rosé, Sparkling Dry
Laurent-Perrier, Champagne, Brut, Cuvee Rose nv I’ve always admired the expression of fruit in this rose, making it one of my favorites from Champagne. The latest bottling does not disappoint, featuring a medley of cherries, strawberries and a nice thread of...
