by Ray Johnson | Jun 8, 2010 | Cabernet Sauvignon, France, Grenache, Les Baux de Provence, Provence, Syrah
Domaine Hauvette, Les Baux de Provence 2004 The nose of the ’04 features fresh and dried fruits, floral notes and the herbs of the Provencal landscape. In the mouth you’ll find structure to marry with dinner and a bit of gamey horse blanket that suggests...
by Ray Johnson | Apr 28, 2010 | Cabernet Sauvignon, Provence, Syrah, Vin de Pays des Bouches du Rhone
Domaine de Trevallon, Vin de Pays des Bouches du Rhone 2006 As in the previous vintage, there is a New World ripeness to the fruit expressed in the nose, sweet and intense. In the mouth it is a tannic, mouth-gripping baby, yearning for a long sleep in the cellar....
by Ray Johnson | Apr 28, 2010 | California, Grenache, Rhône, Rosé, Syrah, Tavel
This flight is a great comparison of two different approaches to rose, one with rapier-like acidity and the other with a broad and weighty mouthfeel. The Ojai Vineyard, California, Rose 2009 This rose shows an expression of citrus and cherries in the nose, along with...
by Ray Johnson | Apr 28, 2010 | California, Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Counoise, Grenache, Mourvedre, Paso Robles, Rhône, Rhone Blend, Syrah
Tablas Creek Vineyard, Paso Robles, Cotes de Tablas 2008 The fruit is fresh and lively in the nose, with floral notes and sweet spice. In the mouth it is medium-bodied, very fruity and structured, making it a winner with grilled pork and a fruity but savoury reduction...
by Ray Johnson | Apr 28, 2010 | California, Cote-Rotie, Russian River Valley, Santa Barbara County, Santa Ynez Valley, Sonoma County, Syrah
This flight of Syrah takes us from the freshness of new fruit in California, to the development of bottle bouquet in wines from 2003 – excellent all around, featuring different expressions of the same grape over time and over both sides of the Atlantic. Foxen,...
by Ray Johnson | Apr 19, 2010 | Cotes du Rhone, France, Grenache, Rosé, Syrah
Domaine de la Mordoree, Cotes-du-Rhone, La Dame Rousse, Rose 2009 In the nose you’ll find red fruits, like cherries and a bit of strawberry that carries through on a broad, lowish acid palate. The grapes behind this pink wine are 50% Grenache, 40% Syrah, and 10%...
