13,5% abv. Texier is consistently one of my favourite Rhône producers, and this, my first '06, doesn't disappoint. Bright, refreshing aromas despite it being a Grenache blend and fully ripe. Medium-full body, good grip and liveliness with the sweet, red fruit so typical of Grenache. But unlike many examples of the grape in my experience, this never becomes heavy or cloying or difficult to drink. Refreshing, moreish and wonderful.
Jean-Paul Brun (Dom. des Terres Dorées) Bourgogne Pinot Noir 2007 19,95€; 12% abv

A lovely, light colour. The scent is pure, beetroot-like Pinosity, and this gets carried onto the palate which is bright and pure and has a lovely, refreshing tart quality to the ripe fruit. The tannins are attractively prominent. It is fairly light but also intense and racy. Awesome and pure wine!
Stylistically this reminds me a bit of the (far too few) Faiveleys or Montilles (or perhaps Gouges, but my experience is even smaller here...) that I have had. Perhaps the tart aspects won't endear themselves to many, but I know some of us will appreciate them!
