by Ray Johnson | Apr 14, 2009 | Cabernet Sauvignon, Carignane, France, Grenache, Les Baux de Provence, Provence, Syrah
Mas de Gourgonnier, Les Baux de Provence, Rouge 2006 As in previous vintages, the band-aids are working in tandem with the black fruits. The mouth also repeats a similar profile in that it is quite gripping with much astringency. The Reserve du Mas has always been a...
by Ray Johnson | Mar 27, 2009 | California, Santa Barbara County, Santa Ynez Valley, Syrah
Fess Parker, Santa Barbara County, The Big Easy, Syrah 2005 The nose features stewed black fruits, prunes and a heavy wack of oak. In the mouth, the wine is soft, oaky, lowish in acidity and warm. There’s a sense of eating a chocolate caramel bar with a touch of...
by Ray Johnson | Mar 13, 2009 | Australia, South Eastern Australia, Syrah
Lindemans, South Eastern Australia, Bin 50 Shiraz 2008 In the nose there is a light level of black fruits and oaky essence. The wine is very light-bodied with sweet black fruit, a little low-level RS and a touch of grippiness. P&B in Red Cliffs, Victoria 13.5%...
by Ray Johnson | Feb 22, 2009 | California, Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County, Syrah
Tin Barn, Sonoma Coast, Coryelle Fields, Syrah 2004 The nose sports loads of oak while in the mouth the oak adds to the richness of this ripe, black fruit driven, supple Syrah. Managing Partner and Winemaker Mike Lancaster 14.2% $28 at the winery Tin Barn...
by Ray Johnson | Jan 20, 2009 | Australia, McLaren Vale, South Australia, Syrah
d’Arenberg, McLaren Vale, The Dead Arm, Shiraz 2006 This wine is dense all around, from the color to the palate. Black fruits combine with hints of eucalyptus. The mouth is taught, just a baby yet the tannins are ripe with no astringency. Aged in new and one use...
by Ray Johnson | Dec 3, 2008 | Cornas, Cote-Rotie, Hermitage, Rhône, Syrah
This flight features 3 wines from the Northern Rhone, all 100% Syrah. Domaine Eric et Joel Durand, Cornas, Empreintes 2005 In the nose there is tar, a sense of permanent solution, meat and black fruits. With more air the black pepper comes on. On the palate this wine...
