by Ray Johnson | Nov 18, 2008 | Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinotage, South Africa, Syrah, Western Cape
Sebeka, Western Cape, “Cape Blend”, Shiraz Pinotage 2007 There’s a sense of sweet black fruit and oak in the nose that carries through in the mouth as well. The wine is extremely soft and low in acidity with a touch of residual sugar. The grapes are...
by Ray Johnson | Nov 12, 2008 | Cabernet Sauvignon, France, Napa Valley, Provence, Syrah, Vin de Pays des Bouches du Rhone
Domaine de Trevallon, Vin de Pays des Bouches du Rhone 2005 The nose sports the sort of lively, jammy fruit that we associate with California Zinfandel. Obviously it’s not, but it is the intensity of the fruit that I am trying to get at. Along with this, you...
by Ray Johnson | Nov 10, 2008 | Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Cotes du Rhone, Dry Creek Valley, Grenache, Lake County, Marsanne, Mendocino County, Mourvedre, Napa Valley, Rhone Blend, Russian River Valley, Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County, Syrah, Viognier
The Rhone Rangers hosted a seminar yesterday featuring wines that pay homage to the grapes made famous in France’s Rhone Valley. The seminar was not bound by geography; there were wines from both sides of the Atlantic. The seminar was also not bound by tradition...
by Ray Johnson | Oct 30, 2008 | California, Santa Barbara County, Santa Ynez Valley, Syrah
Foxen, Santa Ynez Valley, Toasted Rope, Syrah 2006 There are raisins and freshly stewed fruits in the nose, like the smells you get when making a warm compote in the winter. The mouth is extremely supple and sweet appearing, with cocoa and brown spices. 85% Syrah and...
by Ray Johnson | Oct 30, 2008 | California, Grenache, Mourvedre, Paso Robles, Syrah
Tablas Creek Vineyard, Paso Robles, Esprit de Beaucastel 2005 The brett is dominating the nose and while it works for this style of wine, it will put off some looking for a cleaner approach in the New World. The gaminess carries through in the mouth. The tannins are...
by Ray Johnson | Sep 10, 2008 | Corbieres, France, Grenache, Syrah
Col des Vents, Corbieres 2006 Black fruits dominate the nose; the mouth is light-bodied, lean and a little gripping. This is the budget Corbieres from Castelmaure made of 50% Carignane, 35% Grenache and 15% Syrah 13.5% $8.99 at Bottle Barn Castelmaure Corbieres Grande...
