by Ray Johnson | Apr 8, 2009 | California, Grenache, Lake County, Tempranillo
Tejada Vineyards, Lake County, Tempranillo 50% Grenache 50% 2004 The spiritous character is starting to get ahead of the fruit in the nose. In the mouth the alcohol peeks out again, yet it works. There’s a great balance of fruit and structure. The acidity frames...
by Ray Johnson | Apr 8, 2009 | California, Tempranillo
I paid a visit to Quady while returning from a trip to the mountains just south of Yosemite. The pilgramage to Quady is one that I have long wanted to make yet it is a drive from Sonoma County. This time the stars were aligned and time was on my side before returning...
by Ray Johnson | Apr 8, 2009 | Campo De Borja, Grenache, Spain, Tempranillo
Bodegas Borsao, Campo de Borja DO 2007 The fruit just leaps out of the glass and has a candy element to it with a bit of black pepper. The mouth is soft, the wine is light-bodied, tasting of red candy, with a hint of tannin and a touch of warmth – this goes down...
by Ray Johnson | Dec 2, 2008 | Spain, Tempranillo, Toro
Finca Sobreno, Toro DO, Crianza 2004 There is a rustic quality to the nose, combining earthiness and fruit on the ground. In the mouth this wine is a baby with ample tannin and a balance of acidity and extract – give this a good 4 years in the cellar. This wine...
by Ray Johnson | Nov 18, 2008 | Douro, Portugal, Tempranillo, Touriga Franca, Touriga Nacional
Quinta dos Quatro Ventos, Douro DOC 2005 The smell is a mix of black fruits, brambles and earth. In the mouth there is minerality and tart fruit, the acidity making this great with roasted meats. At the same time, there is an integrated oaky richness and a sense of...
by Ray Johnson | Nov 11, 2008 | Rioja, Spain, Tempranillo
Martin Codax, Rioja DOC, ERGO, Tempranillo 2006 The Martin Codax brand has developed a solid reputation on in the northwester portion of the country in Galicia. With this wine from the Rioja, the brand is throwing its equity behind Spain’s most recognized wine...
