Last month we said goodbye to Paul Courtright. He’s off to Texas and drier, hotter, dustier pastures… he will be missed. Paul is a lover of natural wines, those made by careful vignerons using no chemicals, pesticides, or other bad stuff in the vineyards and in the cellar. He was also the champion here at K&L of the under-appreciated and the obscure. He also loves oatmeal. In the morning you could find our Paulie shoveling oatie goodness into his body to prepare him for the day. In his honor I present to you the latest bunch of natural wines, most of which Paul and I tasted and fell for in the Loire last February.

The 2006 Domaine de la Pépière Classique Muscadet Sèvre et Maine Sur Lie ($11.99) is snappy, stony and delicious, whereas the 2006 Domaine de la Pépière “Vieilles Vignes” Clos des Briords Muscadet Sèvre et Maine Sur Lie ($13.99) is deep, concentrated and searching and just now beginning to emerge. We also have two totally fun and delicious reds from the same domaine. The 2006 Domaine de la Pépière Cabernet Franc “la Pépie” ($12.99) also in magnum ($25.99) and the 2006 Domaine de la Pépière Cepage Côt ($12.99) they are juicy, forward and waiting for you. From the Vallée de Cousse comes the new cuvée of François Pinon Vouvray Pétillant Brut ($18.99). You will love this year’s cuvée; it is utterly satisfying and eminently gulpable. The 2006 François Pinon Vouvray Cuvée Tradition ($16.99) is around, but not for long, this is a short vintage in the Loire and you should act fast. Now make Paul proud. Eat oatmeal, drink natural.