Beauty and the Beast

[Rahsaan]

The beauty was the 2009 Texier St. Julien en St. Alban. I assume you all know about its charms. But it tasted even better because the night before (due to an unfortunate chain of events that I won’t go into) I found myself sharing a beastly bottle of 2009 Yellow Tail Shiraz. I was expecting something syrupy sweet, based on the YT Chardonnay. (My uncle loves it in magnum and can’t wait for my Muscadets to be drained so he can return to Oz). Instead, the shiraz was thin, weedy and skunky with no redeeming qualities whatsoever. (I guess this is where the price comes in).

In comparison, the Texier had much richer body and texture. Something I wouldn’t have expected. I guess working hard in the vineyard to get good fruit will do that. Of course I did expect the Texier to be more appealing, which it very much was. Nothing like descending to the depths in order to appreciate the finer things in life.

 

[Kay Bixler]

Perhaps the Yellow Tail was a fraudulent bottle?

 

[Lou Kessler]

What's your opinion on drinking window on the Texier wine. I had it at Dressner's tasting in San Francisco and thought so much of it that I bought a case for myself. I thought it would hold for at least five years.

 

[Rahsaan]

Perhaps when morning arrives in France, Eric will be along himself to tell us what he thinks?

But I don't think it takes a genius to figure out that the wine will last for a while. In fact I've been debating how many bottles to drink now. This one started off really nice and accessible but then shut down a bit. Previous bottles took longer to open up. Who knows. The wine is good.

 

[Cliff]

I just tried one yesterday or the day before. It was almost too powerful a first but broadened out beautifully with some air. I don't recall getting such deep black fruits in such a lithe package. I have no idea where it's going.

 

[SFJoe]

It's gotta be drink and hold.

 

[Brézème]

Well, I am sorry to say that I don't have any idea.

This is my first vintage from a vineyard I don't really know from a place very different than any other place I have ever made wine from.

Plus no one has ever made a wine from this vineyard I could have tasted.

Whole cluster syrah from decomposed granit (cornas, bessards) are usually what one can call "vin de garde".
I am quite optimistic this one will last for a while, not real idea of what it will be like.

I kept a whole bunch of magnums for myself.

Best and thanks to you all for your support on this new project.

Eric

 

[Zachary Ross]

Eric, it's gorgeous. How's the 2010 in relation to the 2009?

 

[Jeff Grossman]

originally posted by Brézème:
Plus no one has ever made a wine from this vineyard I could have tasted.

When was the last time that someone made wine here (before you)?

 

[SFJoe]

I think it went to the co-op.

 

[VLM]

originally posted by Rahsaan:
Nothing like descending to the depths in order to appreciate the finer things in life.

I live by this credo.

 

[Brézème]

originally posted by SFJoe:
I think it went to the co-op.

And to Delas. The story doesn't say to which wine it was blending...

 

[Brézème]

originally posted by Zachary Ross:
Eric, it's gorgeous. How's the 2010 in relation to the 2009?

I harvested right in time unlike in 2009

 

[Brézème]

originally posted by Jeff Grossman:

originally posted by Brézème:
Plus no one has ever made a wine from this vineyard I could have tasted.

When was the last time that someone made wine here (before you)?

No idea. Probably in before WW I.

 

[Zachary Ross]

originally posted by Brézème:

originally posted by Zachary Ross:
Eric, it's gorgeous. How's the 2010 in relation to the 2009?

I harvested right in time unlike in 2009

Sounds promising!