2006 Catherine et Pierre Breton Bourgueil Les Galichets
Garnet with a bright pink hue visible at the rim. Lots of very fine sediment at the bottom. Very fragrant, perfumey bouquet. Rustic. Wet, gravelly earth, slight barnyard, blood, black raspberry, twigs, dried oregano… there’s a strong sense of place in the nose*, which is uncluttered by oak or alcohol. Angular and drying on the palate, yet with a sense of full, lush fruit on the finish. I appreciate and respect the style in which this wine was made-- it’s natural and unspoofulated-- but I’ve never been a big fan of Loire reds and this doesn’t change my opinion. At this very reasonable price point (~$20) I’d rather drink equally traditional Beaujolais.
* Steve also claims to smell Irish linen and garam masala, but there’s a 50% chance he’s fucking with me.