by Ray Johnson | Feb 28, 2008 | California, Crozes-Hermitage, France, Rhône, Rhone Blend, Santa Ynez Valley, Syrah
Le Clos du Caillou Cotes du Rhone Vielles Vignes Cuvee Unique 2005 This is a solid wine, balanced in medium weight with ripe fruits and structure. The ripeness is such that there are liquer-like black fruits. The alcohol is showing a bit in this chewy wine. Sourced...
by Ray Johnson | Dec 12, 2007 | Bordeaux Style Blends, California, Napa Valley, Red Mountain, Syrah, Washington
Elyse Napa Valley Syrah 2004 Else consistently goes for ripe flavors and richness in their red wines. They never fail to delight my clients and students. Cellared and bottled in Oakville 14.6% $33 at the Wine Emporium Elyse Seven Hills Red Mountain Ciel du Cheval...
by Ray Johnson | Dec 3, 2007 | Australia, Barossa, Eden Valley, McLaren Vale, South Australia, Syrah
This flight follows-up on last week’s. We repeat the d’Arenberg Dead Arm (see previous notes) with two other heavy weights in the Shiraz kingdom. Clarendon Hills Clarendon Liandra Vineyard Syrah 2002 This wine sports an outlandish amount of fruit, mixing...
by Ray Johnson | Nov 30, 2007 | Australia, Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, South Australia, Syrah
d’Arenberg McLaren Vale The Dead Arm Shiraz 2005 In the nose there is vibrant fruit enhanced by earth and complementary oak. There’s a mouthful of dense fruit as well to keep up with a big structure in this youthful Shiraz – deliciously chewy. Aged...
by Ray Johnson | Nov 30, 2007 | Australia, Grenache, Marsanne, McLaren Vale, Rhone Blend, Rosé, Roussanne, Syrah, Viognier
Yangarra McLaren Vale Single Vineyard Roussanne 2007 Pretty floral notes with bits of herbs. The mouth is full of citrus with a light body and some refreshing acidity. V&B in McLaren Vale 13% import sample Yangarra McLaren Vale Single Vineyard Viognier 2007 A...
by Ray Johnson | Nov 16, 2007 | Australia, Pyrenees, Syrah, Yarra Valley
De Bortoli Yarra Valley Estate Grown Shiraz Viognier 2005 Smells of sweet cherry pie, oak and a hint of eucalyptus. This dense Shiraz shows how good it can be when there’s a good heft of acidity to balance the taste profile. Grown at the winery’s Dixons...
