by Ray Johnson | Nov 13, 2007 | Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Cotes de Provence, France, Grenache, Mourvedre, Provence, Rhone Blend, Syrah
Jade Mountain California La Provencale 2004 Previous notes show the wine as complex and oaky though the 2nd bottle earlier in the year seemed a little alcoholic. Tonight’s bottle is very supple again and I don’t think most people would notice the alcohol....
by Ray Johnson | Nov 9, 2007 | Australia, Barossa, McLaren Vale, South Australia, Syrah
Both wines in this flight display deep concentration and a tannic backbone. The difference in style comes in the use of oak and the display of acidity. The Thorn-Clarke exudes oak while the d’Arenberg Magpie is enhanced by acidity to make it a gem with food....
by Ray Johnson | Nov 8, 2007 | Corbieres, France, Grenache, Syrah
Chateau Coupe Roses Minervois Cuvee Vignals 2005 There’s lots of black pepper to smell but the brett is coming up to visit in late ’07. Now a year later, the dung is in full force. This wine is a blend of Syrah, Grenache and Carignan, unfined and...
by Ray Johnson | Oct 11, 2007 | California, Dry Creek Valley, Petite Sirah, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, Syrah
Stark Russian River Valley Cuvee Julian Syrah 2004 This is Syrah that is not afraid to be tannic with lots of alcohol showing in the nose and the mouth. There’s 2% Viognier in the final blend and the fruit is sourced 63% from Bill and Betsy’s Alegria...
