2005 Chateau Richard Bergerac (Rouge) (375 ml)
Chateau Richard’s Richard Doughty was a former deep-sea diver who turned to winemaking while recovering from a serious accident. He has been 'en bio' and certified organic since 1991—long enough for him to observe the effects of such a regime on his soil, plants and wine. He has also sought to reduce the level of sulphur in his wines, even to the point of daring to produce his Cuvée Osée since 1998 - a red with no sulphur at all. (A bottle of Cuvée Osée 1998 tasted in February 2008 was still firm and chunky.) I am always stuck by the crisp acidity of many of his wines, a characteristic product, he says, of organic viticulture. His firm, 'structured' reds will not appeal to every taste, but Richard unapologetically makes wines that he enjoys, and I relish finding bold, inventive, daring craft winemakers like this. I have found many obscure jewels of nectar this way. I like this clean, fresh Bergerac Rouge, full of fruity flavor—particularly black cherry and plum and some hints of vanilla—while enjoying a nice balance to the tannins and acidity.
This is my last half bottle. $50