by Ray Johnson | Mar 19, 2011 | Burgundy, Chianti, Chianti Classico, France, Italy, Marsannay, Pinot Noir, Sangiovese, Tuscany
Louis Latour, Marsannay, Rouge 2007 The nose displays earthiness and meatiness upon first opening with a bit of black fruit in the background. In the mouth it is quite hard at this point in time. Mis en bouteille a Beaune 13% purchased for $13.59 at Bottle Barn Maison...
by Ray Johnson | Jul 26, 2010 | Chianti, Chianti Classico, Italy, Sangiovese, Tuscany
Isole e Olena, Chianti Classico 2006 Cherries and cranberries mark the nose with a touch of earth and smoke. In the mouth it is perfectly tart, light-bodied and ready to accompany roasted chicken. There’s long, lingering cherry flavor and acidity – nice....
by Ray Johnson | Jul 14, 2010 | Italy, Tuscany, Vernaccia, Vernaccia di San Gimignano
Casa Alle Vacche, Vernaccia di San Gimignano 2009 The nose offers minerality, hay and citrus fruits. In the mouth you’ll find the expected acidity, in a lean format with a bit of roundness on the edges. The grape behind this wine is Vernaccia grown at an...
by Ray Johnson | Jul 14, 2010 | Chianti, Chianti Classico, Italy, Montalcino, Sangiovese, Tuscany
Castello della Paneretta, Chianti Clasico 2006 The nose shows baked cherries and brown spices. In the mouth the cherry fruit is quite vibrant as is the acidity which matches it – nice.The grapes behind this wine are 90% Sangiovese and 10% Canaiolo. Estate...
by Ray Johnson | Apr 23, 2010 | Chianti, Chianti Classico, Italy, Sangiovese, Tuscany
Badia a Coltibuono, Chianti Classico 2007 The nose sports cherries and caramel with some raisins – clean and inviting. In the mouth the acidity is vibrant, the tannins are there yet ripe and there is a creaminess as well – very nice. While the wine is made...
by Ray Johnson | Apr 23, 2010 | Italy, San Gimignano, Tuscany, Vernaccia, Vernaccia di San Gimignano
Il Poderi del Paradiso, Vernaccia di San Gimignano 2008 Unfortunately this wine is aging prematurely, featuring a golden color and the smell of ethyl acetate. We’ll try another bottle soon to see if this was a failure of the seal on this bottle. Paradiso has...