2011 Eric Texier Opâle

Community Tasting Notes (6) Median Score: 89 points

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  1/3/2015 - timewithwine wrote:

  Sometimes a wine comes along that at one and the same time it is both classic and uniquely its own. Compare this wine, if you will, to a favorite uncle or aunt; the one who had a hint of your mind and knew how and what to say at times when all other voices were shrill. “Opale” is a 100% Viognier from Condrieu. However, authorities would not allow Texier to label it as Condrieu due to its production method that leaves it with 70g/l RS and a very slight petulance on the tongue. Due to its deviation from codified tradition, it can be labeled only as “white table wine.” It is one odd little wine - but well made. It reflects the grape very well with its white peach, honeysuckle, orange blossom and almond aspects. It speaks of Condrieu with its stony/mineraly quality. Texier’s wines almost always have a razor acidity that carry both his reds and his whites and this is no different. The acidity supports the RS carrying it triumphantly with cut and cleanness. Sort of like that favorite uncle or aunt who is a touch mischievous and esoteric, this wine is well worth searching out every once in a while. 6.7% alc. With sushi (tuna, dragon rolls, California rolls); excellent with the wasabi. Shared by DDB and me with MMS and Rodney Young as we remember PDM with fondness for the memories he gave us and sweet sadness for our loss. 01.03.15. Recommended.

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  7/4/2014 - Chaz Bham wrote:

  4 juillet à Rennes avec Axone et le groupe dégustation (Rennes, Bretagne, France): J'ai vraiment apprécié ce vin intéressant Texier. Jaune brillante, lumière dans le verre. Bel équilibre de l'acidité et de douceur. Saveurs de chèvrefeuille, de pêche, et des herbes fraîches. Fascinant.

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  1/12/2014 - cab wrote:

  Might be the first Dressner wine ever that I have flat out just not liked. Kind of cloying, sweet, flat, no edge.

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  12/26/2012 - timewithwine wrote:

  And now comes this little oddity from Eric Texier. A 100% Viognier from Condrieu. However, authorities would not allow Texier to label it as Condrieu due to its production method that leaves it with % RS and a very slight petulance on the tongue. Imported by Dressner, it is labeled “white table wine” but for that to work an Asian menu should be considered. It is one odd little wine - but well made. It reflects the varietal very well with its honeysuckle, orange blossom and almond aspects. It speaks of Condrieu with its stony/mineraly quality. Texier’s wines almost always have a razor acidity that carry both his reds and his whites and this is no different. The acidity supports the RS carrying it triumphantly with cut and cleanness. But I don’t know what to do with this wine. We tried it with foods, as an aperitif, as a dessert wine (without and with dessert foods), but it needs something spicy to act as a foil for the RS. Perhaps holiday spiced nuts would work. But it’s a fun wine and well worth searching out for those that like esoteric wines. 6.7% alc. With cheese bites (a biscuit), desserts, crab cakes and other experiments. While it is possible to use this as an aperitif, this really needs a spicy food to compliment it. Over several days during the Christmas holidays beginning 12.26.12 and continuing in the New Year through 01.02.13. Recommended.

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  10/24/2012 - isaacjamesbaker wrote: 90 Points

  Blind Tasting - Rhone Varieties (Weygandt Wines - Washington, D.C.): Tasted blind. Very light straw color, almost translucent. The wine smells like Tang mix, bright lemon-lime, then an herbal kick comes out on the end. Upon first taste: WTF? The wine is off-dry and it tastes like lemon zinger tea mixed with honey. Also flavors of crisp green apple, sweet peach and honey. It's almost riesling-like with it's white peach and sweet nut flavors. The acid keeps it very fresh. I guessed this as a residual sugar viognier. Turns out I was right. These grapes are picked so ripe that they'd qualify as auslese in Germany. It's very low in alcohol, incredible easy to sip and not too sweet or cloying. Really nerdy stuff, but a lot of fun. And it gets serious science fair points for weirdness.

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