Johann's Wine Reviews

Champagne Laurent-Perrier Champagne Brut NV

I must protest. It is indeed a lighter bodied Champagne, which makes it a wonderful aperitif. It should be noted that Champagnes come in many shapes and sizes and they needn't all be full-bodied. I have begun many a wonderful meal with this wine.

Rating: 3.95 / 5.00

Ch�teau d'Yquem Sauternes Premier Cru Sup�rieur 1999

White flowers and fresh mint on the nose, as well as vanilla, ripe peaches and lychee. The palate yields a panarama of flavors from super fresh stone fruits to dark spices and honey with a super long finish. Pleasantly sweet and well integrated.

Rating: 4.40 / 5.00

St. Sup�ry Moscato California 2005

Some pleasant aromas and flavors, flowers and white peaches. Finishes poorly. Way over-priced.

Rating: 2.40 / 5.00

Turley Zinfandel Atlas Peak 2004

Tobacco, cedar and stewed black fruits. Powerful but with finesse, this wine is luxury in every sip.

Rating: 4.60 / 5.00

Ajello Furat Sicilia IGT 2003

Dark in color with auburn tones, hinting at perhaps a touch of oxidation? The nose is absolutely beautiful. Aromatic, complex and expressive, with plums, raisins, red cherries, blueberries, asphalt and tar. The aromas go on and on. The palate was a bit of a disappointment, with more of the red fruits, blueberries, black plums and tar mixed with high-toned acids and a slightly hot feel from the higher alcohol content. Not bad, but if it tasted half as good as it smelled it would have been great.

Rating: 2.86 / 5.00

Bertani Amarone Classico 1997

Big, bold and dark coloration with only the slightest bricking around the edges of the rim. Perhaps a hint at the flavors to come? Right up front on the nose there is a whiff of cheese rind and white truffle, but this is quickly overcome by ripe, dried and baked red fruits, as well as a distinct raisiny characteristic so common in Amarones. The palate is huge! Red currants, black cherries, blackberries, caramel, dates, figs and bruleed sugar all dance together in one big Amarone celebration. There is a bit too much heat from the high alcohol content, but this is minor when compared to a big, long and complex wine. Excellent stuff!

Rating: 2.86 / 5.00

Bloomer Creek Vineyard Arabella Finger Lakes 2004

This Cayuga-Riesling blend features a nice acidity, with grapefruit, pear and apple peel as the dominant flavors. The texture is different (reminiscent of okra innards), and the finish is almondy.

Rating: 1.43 / 5.00

Ch�teau Calon-S�gur St-Est�phe 1998

Fleshy with firm tannins. Black fruits, tar, black pepper and fresh thyme leap from the glass in great balance followed by a fantastic finish that goes on for minutes. This is one for the cellar.

Rating: 4.43 / 5.00

Jean-Michel Gerin C�te-R�tie Champin le Seigneur 1998

Very nice. Lots of earthy terroir on the nose followed by sweet baked fig and raisin with a smokey, gamey character and a velvety texture.

Rating: 3.75 / 5.00

Domaine Mongeard-Mugneret Ech�zeaux Grand Cru Vieille Vigne 1996

Wow! Gorgeous Pinot Noir. Earth and stewed fruits on the nose with baked plum, Asian spices, tobacco, leather and black truffle on the palate. Very balanced and focused with a staggering complexity.

Rating: 4.60 / 5.00