by Ray Johnson | Apr 15, 2011 | Australia, Great Southern, King Valley, Pemberton, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Tempranillo, Victoria, Western Australia
Earlier today we had an opportunity to visit with the team of Robert Oatley during a visit to San Francisco. We tasted the latest wines in their portfolio that are available in the United States. Highlighted below are three of my favorites. Robert Oatley, Great...
by Ray Johnson | Jul 21, 2010 | Spain, Tempranillo, Toro
Finca Sobreno, Toro 2005 This vintage is a nice step up from the previous. The nose shows a mix of fresh and cooked red fruits, with a sweet overlay of vanilla. In the mouth it is approachable and oaky with structure that is obvious but not overpowering. The acidity...
by Ray Johnson | Jul 21, 2010 | Spain, Tempranillo, Toro
Vetus, Toro 2005 There’s a definite sense of Port in the nose, combining liqueur-like berry essence and a bit of spirit. In the mouth the berry flavors are vibrant yet this wine is still quite tight and would benefit from a long sleep in the cellar. The grape...
by Ray Johnson | May 7, 2010 | Grenache, Rioja, Spain, Tempranillo
R. Lopez de Heredia, Rioja, Crianza, Viña Cubillo 2003 The smell of this wine pulls me in – there’s a complex mix spices, leather, stewed cherries and raisins. In the mouth the acidity that I associate with Rioja is evident, making this wine ready to pair...
by Ray Johnson | May 7, 2010 | California, Lodi, Tempranillo
Harney Lane, Lodi, Tempranillo 2006 The nose features vanilla, raspberry liquer and freshly split oak – very rich. In the mouth you’ll find tart berry fruit, ripe, velvety tannins, a little warmth and a sense of dark chocolate – nice. This is a rich...
by Ray Johnson | Apr 19, 2010 | Campo De Borja, Grenache, Spain, Tempranillo
Bodegas Borsao, Campo de Borja DO 2008 As in the previous vintage, the fruit just leaps out of the glass and has a candy element to it with a bit of black pepper. This is exactly what I smelled the last time around. In the mouth this wine is light-bodied, tasting of...
