by Ray Johnson | Jul 27, 2010 | Cotes du Rhone, France, Grenache, Rhône, Syrah
Domaine de la Mordorée Côtes-Du-Rhône “La Dame Rousse” 2008 Give this some air to blow off the stink. Then with 15 minutes the black pepper and red fruits will emerge. In the mouth it is overtly fruity and quite structured, chewy and ready to pair with burgers on the...
by Ray Johnson | Jul 27, 2010 | Australia, Barossa, South Australia, Syrah
Thorn-Clarke, Barossa, Shotfire, Shiraz 2008 This is oak city, smelling of freshly split logs and coconut. On the palate the theme continues, quite rich, with ripe tannins and a nice sense of acidity. The grapes are sourced from the family’s Kabiningie Vineyard on the...
by Ray Johnson | Jul 20, 2010 | Australia, South Australia, Sparkling Dry, Syrah
Mollydooker, South Australia, Goose Bumps, Sparkling Shiraz 2006 In the nose the oak makes a statement with sweet black fruit. The texture in the mouth is masterful, actually velvety displaying the flavors of blackberry, coffee and freshly-split oak. Proprietors Sarah...
by Ray Johnson | Jul 19, 2010 | Crozes-Hermitage, France, Rhône, Syrah
Alain Graillot, Crozes Hermitage 2008 This vintage features lots of black pepper and a structured palate, with long acidity and a commensurate amount of tannin. For some there will be too much of a memory of Band-Aids and the dentist office but with a plate of blood...
by Ray Johnson | Jun 26, 2010 | Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, Priorat, Syrah
Scala Dei, Priorat, Cartoixa 2003 I found this bottle rattling around in the cellar and was delighted to have the opportunity to taste it again. A few years ago it was still rather tannic and while good, I knew that there were better days to come. And now those days...
by Ray Johnson | Jun 19, 2010 | Australia, Fortified dessert, Grenache, Mourvedre, Port, South Australia, Syrah, Tawny Port
Penfolds, South Australia, Club Reserve, Aged Tawny nv In the nose you’ll find raisins and butterscotch with a sense of the spirit in the background. This all carries on in the mouth with nuttiness, sweetness and well-integrated alcohol. Like the value-oriented...
