Jenny & Francois

Briefly noted picks. Domaine Derain (St. Aubin, Burgundy) Love their PetNat (sparkling Aligote) and the 2006 Le Bon as well as the '06 Mercurey which was tar and marshmallow. Didier Monchovet Bourgogne Grand Ordinaire (tart, berry gamay) and a kick-ass cremant. Also do look out for their 2003 Hautes Cotes de Beaune.The year was hot, mostly made flabby wines. This one works Domaine Binner Everything from this Alsatian domaine is lovely. (Don't forget their Pinot) 2005 Saveurs Printanieres, one of those Alsatian blends, is your spring/summer wine. Cousin Leduc Pur Breton Olivier in the Anjou is someone to buy in every year. The 2006 has plenty of carnation, lots of life and texture the VV has a berry nose and is as deep as a quarry. Comptoirs de Magdala Amourvedre From young vines in Bandol. This 2007 will work when you are in a mood for lots of silt and texture and need to shake your fist (at whomever) for emphasis. Domaine Deux Anes Magali (she is in the winery, her husband Dominqueis in the vines) can do no wrong. Just buy whatever you find. Chemin de Bassac Pinot The 2007 is your new party wine. Not too much structure, but at this price point ($13?) where else are you going to get something this good in this grape? Romaneaux-Destezet Herve is a brilliant winemaker up in the Catskill-like Ardeche hills of the Northern Rhone. 2007 Souteronne (old vine N. Rhone gamay--horsey and bramble) 2007 Syrah (look for twig and cocoa), Saint Joseph, (elegance and wisdom) and the Sainte Epine (knock out from a prime vineyard in St. Joseph).... I rest my case. Herve's wines are always jumping with vitality. These wines absolutely refuse to stay in the glass.