2009 Beaujolais recommendations for a newbie? (updated with TNs)

Post #1 by **Scott Williams** » January 13th 2011, 11:31am

Hi all,

I've scoured this forum, Keith's webpage, and a few other sources looking for some good introductions to Beaujolais. This seems to be one region I've never really gotten into (save a few Michel Tete, Clos de la Roillette, and J-P Brun/Terre Dorees wines), but nothing has really blown my mind. With 2009 being hailed as a benchmark vintage, this seems like a good time to revisit the Gamay grape.

I'm thinking of picking up some Foillard Morgon Cote du Py, Tete Julienas Clos du Fief, and Terre Dorees Ancien as starters, but I'd love to hear what's impressed everyone the most from this vintage.

Bring it on! pileon

cheers,
scott

Scott Williams wrote:Hi all,

I've scoured this forum, Keith's webpage, and a few other sources looking for some good introductions to Beaujolais. This seems to be one region I've never really gotten into (save a few Michel Tete, Clos de la Roillette, and J-P Brun/Terre Dorees wines), but nothing has really blown my mind. With 2009 being hailed as a benchmark vintage, this seems like a good time to revisit the Gamay grape.

I'm thinking of picking up some Foillard Morgon Cote du Py, Tete Julienas Clos du Fief, and Terre Dorees Ancien as starters, but I'd love to hear what's impressed everyone the most from this vintage.

Bring it on!

cheers,
scott

I haven't had a lot (not nearly as much as some here) of 09 so far, but the Vissoux/Chermette lineup really blew me away.

Post #3 by **Ian Fitzsimmons** » January 13th 2011, 11:44am

All the names you say you've tried and are considering are good in general, and reputedly good in 09. Comments on 09 Beaujolais here so far are pretty extensive; if you've scoured them, using the search function, you probably already have 98% of what you're asking for in this thread.

Post #4 by **Robert.Fleming** » January 13th 2011, 11:47am

Post #5 by **Scott Williams** » January 13th 2011, 1:06pm

Thanks guys (and Robert for the extensive links),

Yes, I did do a search before posting, and came across most of these threads already. I guess what I'm asking, rather than for specific tasting notes on specific wines (which I can find here, or in CT, or in a lot of places), is what wines really stand out from the crowd. We've had a few threads on "Rieslings for the inexperienced" recently, and the OPs got what I thought was very helpful "synopses" of benchmark wines. That's pretty much what I'm asking for here, so I will amend the thread title accordingly.

cheers,
scott

Post #6 by **Ian Fitzsimmons** » January 13th 2011, 1:26pm

I still think what you're asking for is conveyed in the chat Robert pulled together for you. If you're deciding what you'd like to stock for yourself, not meaning to condescend, personally I think you'd best serve your interest by buying a mixed case or two of the wines named by various board members and tasting through them over a week or two. Reading individuals' write-ups thoughtfully and tasting for yourself will almost certainly give you a better cellar than, say, selecting consensus favorites.

Another idea: put together a list of producers from threads cited above and set up a poll.

Anyway, I don't think you'll go far wrong with the ones you named in your first post.

Post #7 by **Scott Williams** » January 13th 2011, 2:01pm

John Gilman wrote:Hi Robert,

There will be a lot of absolutely delicious Beaujolais to try in 2009, as it is indeed a very good, atypically ripe and opulent vintage for Beaujolais. As others here have mentioned, the Louis-Dressner and Kermit Lynch portfolios cover many of the very best estates (with an honorable mention for importer Weygandt-Metzler), and just choosing from their strip labels is a very good jumping off point. As a quick primer, the three best Beaujolais and Beaujolais-Villages producers that I regularly cross paths with are the aformentioned Jean-Paul Brun and his Domaine Terres Dorées, Pierre Chermette of Domaine du Vissoux and Domaine Dupeuble from the Kermit Lynch's portfolio. I also find the Beaujolais-Villages from Joseph Drouhin consistently excellent and very classic in style and like all of this firm's Beaujolais, a completely underrated source for very top drawer Crus and B-Villages.

Amongst the Cru Beaujolais, it is important to keep in mind(again as folks have mentioned already) that certain villages tend to produce much more structured wines, and this will be very evident in a powerful vintage like 2009. In general terms, the wines from Moulin-a-Vent, Morgon and Cote de Brouilly are going to demand a bit of bottle age to really start to drink well in 2009, and these may not be the best growers to focus on when tasting through the vintage to draw your own conclusions. But in these appellations, if you keep in mind that what you are tasting is likely going to need five years of bottle age to really blossom from these crus, you cannot go wrong with Kermit Lynch's "Gang of Five" producers- Thevenet, Lapierre, Foillard, Breton are four of the five- as well as Georges Descombes and Louis et Claude Desvignes from Louis-Dressner. I also like very much the Morgons made by Louis Jadot and Joseph Drouhin for the big houses, and Jean-Paul Brun also makes a very good example of Morgon.

In Moulin-a-Vent, Louis Jadot's Chateau des Jacques makes a very good range- though always structured when young- and Bernard Diochon is excellent year in and year out. Pierre Chermette also makes superb Moulin-a-Vent and the Drouhin version is consistently exceptional. In Cote de Brouilly, the two most exciting producers are Nicole Chanrion and Chateau Thivin (both represented by Kermit Lynch). The Chanrion is usually very accessible out of the blocks for this very stony terroir (it is an extinct volcano), while the Chateau Thivin bottlings demand time and are usually tight and structured when young. Better to try the delicious straight Brouilly from Chateau Thivin if you want to drink one of their wines out of the blocks, as that never demands patience and is lovely.

In the less structured Cru villages, wines I particularly like are the aformentioned Clos de la Roilette in Fleurie (they are the Chateau Yquem of the village- though their vines are right on the Moulin-a-Vent border and the wine used to be sold as Moulin-a-Vent before the AOC went into effect, so they are a bit more structured than most Fleuries), Cedric Chignard, Jean-Paul Brun and Pierre Chermette are all very, very good sources. Domaine Diochon in Moulin-a-Vent also makes a good Fleurie, as does Joseph Drouhin. In general these will be more floral, open and sappy bottles of Beaujolais out of the blocks and they will be delicious from the get-go.

In St. Amour, Domaine des Billards makes absolutely brilliant wines and is one of my favorite producers in all of Beaujolais. In Julienas, Michel Tete is the star producer, but I also like the Drouhin bottling from here very well indeed. There are many more outstanding bottlings to be found scattered thorughout the crus and I am sure that I am forgetting several worthy estates, but this at least will give you a good "to do" list to get started with the vintage. The only '09s I have tasted thus far are the Joseph Drouhin wines, which I tasted through in Beaune in March, and they are deep, sappy and beautifully soil-driven. If all the other top estates have made wines in this style, then this is indeed going to be a very special vintage for the region. But with the wines from Morgon and Moulin-a-Vent, you may do better trying a few bottles from either the 2006 or 2007 vintage if you can find them well-stored, as these are less structured vintages and both are beginning to really drink well from these villages.

Hope this helps.

John

Hi Ian,

Thanks for the ideas. I went back and found a thread (#6 in Robert's list) in which John Gilman's excellent post above responded to a similar inquiry as mine made by Eric LeVine. I found this information extraordinarily useful. But, as this was posted back in June (before or at the time that the '09s were just starting to hit the US market), I haven't yet found a more recent synopsis. Anyway, maybe I'm asking for too much here.

I'll pick up some Coudert, Foillard, Michel Tete, and/or Terre Dorees and report back with notes next week. Or better yet, maybe I'll pop in to Chambers St. and pick their brains.

cheers,
scott

Edit: Not taken as condescending, but your suggestion of buying a mixed case or two is probably a bigger commitment than I'd like to make at this point, considering I have limited experience with this type of wine. A few representative or choice selections is what I'm after, and if I dig 'em, then maybe I'll go long.

Post #8 by **Peter Kleban** » January 13th 2011, 2:05pm

Try Lapierre Morgon or Foillard Côte du Py Morgon. My favorites, anyway.

Post #9 by **Scott Williams** » January 13th 2011, 2:16pm

Peter Kleban wrote:Try Lapierre Morgon or Foillard Côte du Py Morgon. My favorites, anyway.

Thanks Peter, these are two that seem to be at the top of many people's lists. It also seems like if Kermit-Lynch is the importer, you'll do pretty well with what's in the bottle. Is the Lapierre you liked the sulphured or "normale" version? There seems to be some mixed experiences with some lots former, especially those sourced from the greater NY area.

http://www.wineberserkers.com/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=36316

cheers,
scott

Post **#10** by **David M. Bueker** » January 13th 2011, 2:30pm

Someone had an issue with two bottles of Lapierre. I've had 4 bottles of the sulfured Lapierre, 2 of which came from NYC shops, the rest in MA with no issues. It was likely a bad bottle(s) problem. Happens to everyone sooner or later. You won't find the non-sulfured version on the east coast.

John's summary is still valid even 7 months later. Finding some of the wines may be a little more difficult now, but they are likely all still out there. For my part I have really enjoyed Foillard Cote du Py, Brun Morgon, Brun Moulin-a-Vent, Roillette Fleurie, Jadot Chateau de Jacques Moulin-a-Vent and a number of others so far. It's a very easy to like vintage, though not all vintages are going to be like 2009. '06, '07 and '08 all have something to recommend them, but they are nothing like '09.

Post **#11** by **Dennis Atick** » January 13th 2011, 2:55pm

Not to

but my fave right now, confirmed by another bottle (S) on Wed night, is the Lapierre Morgon.
Despite its youth, and recommendations from JG and others that it's got better days ahead, it's a racy beast right now. A fun ride imo.
I can still find it locally, too, which is nice as I keep reloading.

Post **#12** by **Peter Kleban** » January 13th 2011, 4:13pm

Scott Williams wrote:
Peter Kleban wrote:Try Lapierre Morgon or Foillard Côte du Py Morgon. My favorites, anyway.

Thanks Peter, these are two that seem to be at the top of many people's lists. It also seems like if Kermit-Lynch is the importer, you'll do pretty well with what's in the bottle. Is the Lapierre you liked the sulphured or "normale" version? There seems to be some mixed experiences with some lots former, especially those sourced from the greater NY area.

http://www.wineberserkers.com/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=36316

cheers,
scott

I've only had the (lightly) sulfured Lapierre, which I got from Grand Cru in IL. IIRC Crush in NYC had it also, tho a bit more expensive.

Post **#13** by **Ian Fitzsimmons** » January 13th 2011, 5:33pm

Chambers is a very good resource, for sure.

Post **#14** by **Scott Williams** » January 13th 2011, 8:34pm

So here's my first foray into '09 Bojo. Good stuff! Next up, Lapierre Morgon, with Michel Tete Fleurie and Jadot Moulin-a-Vent Chateau des Jacques also on deck.

2009 Jean Foillard Morgon Côte du Py - France, Burgundy, Beaujolais, Morgon (1/13/2011)
A beguiling nose of spicebox, sandalwood, lavender, tart cherries and hints of white pepper. Flavors of cranberry, cedar, cherry, and a bit of black olive. Really complex, elegant, and with a weightlessness from the bright acidity. Outstanding with a tuscan vegetable and veal meatball soup with crusty bread, but also quite fine on its own. I'd planned to sample this over several days to track its evolution, but this is a mighty tasty drink! An expressive gamay that is full of character. A bit pricey at $30 full retail, but when you consider this is the upper echelon of beaujolais at sub-village level burgundy prices, it's good value. (91 pts.)

Posted from CellarTracker

Post **#15** by **Peter Kleban** » January 13th 2011, 8:35pm

Ian Fitzsimmons wrote:Chambers is a very good resource, for sure.

Right, but they were out of the Lapierre last I checked...

Post **#16** by **H Wallace Jr** » January 13th 2011, 10:39pm

For an intro into Cru Boo, I wouldn't seek out 09's. Tasty, but atypical wines. Should be able to find 08's still lurking around. Lapierre, Morgon, JP Brun, Foillard, etc...

Post **#17** by **Dennis Sullivan** » January 14th 2011, 12:37am

H Wallace Jr wrote:For an intro into Cru Boo, I wouldn't seek out 09's. Tasty, but atypical wines. Should be able to find 08's still lurking around. Lapierre, Morgon, JP Brun, Foillard, etc...

...08 Daniel Bouland

Post **#18** by **Ian Fitzsimmons** » January 14th 2011, 5:08am

Peter Kleban wrote:
Ian Fitzsimmons wrote:Chambers is a very good resource, for sure.

Right, but they were out of the Lapierre last I checked...

Lapierre's a good example of why it pays to try for yourself: his wine is popular, but he doesn't work that well for me, personally, and I don't buy his wines. In the same vein, Gilman names Dupeuble (sp?) as an excellent maker, but for me his wiines are so-so.

Post **#19** by **Robert Alfert, Jr.** » January 14th 2011, 5:14am

If you are sampling, gotta go with the Drouhin Morgon. A fantastic little QPR, and much cheaper than the "big boys" cited above! An easy BTC purchase.

Post **#20** by **Margot N i n e b e r g** » January 14th 2011, 7:31pm

Try Domaine de Colette Régnié Sélection Vieilles Vignes...for $11 it's not complex by any means, but such a nice and easy drinker. Best word to describe it is "pleasant." As much as I hate to be a follower, I have to say the '09 Lapierre Morgon is up there on the list as one of my favorites, but I'm no expert.

Post **#21** by **Robert.Fleming** » January 15th 2011, 8:36am

If you want to explore and develop an appreciation for Beaujolais, my advice is: Start at the bottom. Seriously.

Start with Beaujolais (yes, plain ol' Beaujolais) and Beaujolais-Villages - including the mass-produced Dubouef 'Flower Label' bottlings; those from large negociants like Jadot and Drouhin; and producers imported by the likes of KLWM (Dupeuble), NBI (Durdilly), Dressner (Brun, Tête), and Weygandt-Metzler (Chermette).

Only then, after having developed some understanding of the range of styles and qualities available at the regional and villages level, move on to the crus. Once again, try them all - from the Duboeuf 'Flower Labels' to the highly-acclaimed artisan producers.

Advantages of this approach:

It doesn't cost much.
It's fun.
It provides the context I think necessary to a full appreciation of the glories of Beaujolais.
You learn what you like.

One man's opinion.

Post **#22** by **Scott Williams** » January 15th 2011, 5:47pm

Next up for me, the Michel Tête (Clos du Fief) Juliénas. A different animal for sure than the Foillard Morgon. Definitely lighter on its feet, less structured, more delicate even, but a very pleasant drink. Better on day 2 (when this note was posted). Nice, but right now, I prefer the bigger-framed Morgon.

cheers,
scott

2009 Michel Tête Juliénas Domaine du Clos du Fief - France, Burgundy, Beaujolais, Juliénas (1/15/2011)
Bright ruby color, with nose of strawberry pie. On the palate, strawberries, raspberries and watermelon. Somewhat candied fruit profile with a decent dose of acidity, suggesting this should improve with time. Clearly "smaller-scaled" and less structured than the Foillard Morgon Cote du Py I tried the other night, but very quaffable, and likely to complement a diverse array of foods (though also fine on its own). (88 pts.)

Posted from CellarTracker

Post **#23** by **Ian Fitzsimmons** » January 15th 2011, 5:49pm

Thanks Scott. I've been wondering about Tete and Diochon - yours is the first Tete note I've seen.

Post **#24** by **alan weinberg** » January 15th 2011, 6:36pm

Robert.Fleming wrote:If you want to explore and develop an appreciation for Beaujolais, my advice is: Start at the bottom. Seriously.

Start with Beaujolais (yes, plain ol' Beaujolais) and Beaujolais-Villages - including the mass-produced Dubouef 'Flower Label' bottlings; those from large negociants like Jadot and Drouhin; and producers imported by the likes of KLWM (Dupeuble), NBI (Durdilly), Dressner (Brun, Tête), and Weygandt-Metzler (Chermette).

Only then, after having developed some understanding of the range of styles and qualities available at the regional and villages level, move on to the crus. Once again, try them all - from the Duboeuf 'Flower Labels' to the highly-acclaimed artisan producers.

Advantages of this approach:
It doesn't cost much.
It's fun.
It provides the context I think necessary to a full appreciation of the glories of Beaujolais.
You learn what you like.

One man's opinion.

this is a great approach, IMO.

alan

Post **#25** by **Scott Williams** » January 15th 2011, 6:41pm

You're welcome. I'm actually enjoying this more as it gets more air. I'm on my third glass, and the night is young! I'm probably underrating it in my earlier note, and it is juicy, lively, and very pretty indeed, though lacking some of the complexity of the best wines I've had from the region. Clearly of its place, however, and this would not be mistaken for a RRV pinot, grenache, or anything other than gamay.

cheers,
scott

Post **#26** by **Ian Fitzsimmons** » January 16th 2011, 9:26am

I actually wonder if top-flight Beaujolais isn't beginning the occupy the niche formerly filled by decent villages-level red Burgundy: aromatic, high acid wines with some finesse and delicacy in the $25-30 range.

Post **#27** by **Scott Williams** » January 16th 2011, 8:10pm

Moving on to Chiroubles, I picked up this beauty for the nutty price of $11.69. Feels like stealing. I will reload on this one for sure. I noticed after the fact that this bottle showed rather well in Richard Jennings' recent tasting.

http://www.wineberserkers.com/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=38509

2009 Château de Raousset Chiroubles - France, Burgundy, Beaujolais, Chiroubles (1/16/2011)
Bright ruby. Nose of granite, red licorice, strawberries, lavender, hint of charcoal. Tart cherries, mineral, currants, macintosh apple on the palate, with bright acidity and a long, tart, lingering finish. Reminds me a bit of a loire cab franc at this point. Fresh, lively, and very light on its feet, but with a persistence that leaves a lasting impression. Quite nice and great value at $12. (90 pts.)

Posted from CellarTracker

cheers,
scott

Post **#28** by **Berry Crawford** » January 16th 2011, 8:19pm

Ian Fitzsimmons wrote:I actually wonder if top-flight Beaujolais isn't beginning the occupy the niche formerly filled by decent villages-level red Burgundy: aromatic, high acid wines with some finesse and delicacy in the $25-30 range.

IMHO Cru Beaujolais are more sophisticated wines than most village cote d'or wines

Post **#29** by **Kenneth Brown** » January 16th 2011, 11:48pm

Ian Fitzsimmons wrote:I actually wonder if top-flight Beaujolais isn't beginning the occupy the niche formerly filled by decent villages-level red Burgundy: aromatic, high acid wines with some finesse and delicacy in the $25-30 range.

For me, Bingo! Village wines have gotten to a price point where I rarely buy them, as I normally only like these wines in good or better vintages, and the price points have pushed up to where they simply aren't a buy most of the time with an occasional exception. Sometimes the top Cru Beaujolais are less than $20 and I think better than most villages. Easy decision.

Post **#30** by **Scott Williams** » January 18th 2011, 8:51pm

I hope I'm not boring people by resurrecting this thread every few days, but my intentions are that this evolving and growing list of TNs will be informative to some. I've got Lapierre's Morgon, Clos de la Roilette's Fleurie and Dupeuble's basic BoJo lined up for the next week, so more to come! This latest installment, from Jadot's Chateau St. Jacques, is decidedly different in style from the others I've tried, and I bet would fool plenty a taster if inserted as a ringer into a lineup of village burgundies. Probably the Beaujolais purist would be put off by this style, but if you put aside your preconceptions about what Beaujolais should or shouldn't be, this is a well-made wine, if not the purest expression of the Gamay grape.

2009 Louis Jadot Moulin-à-Vent Château des Jacques - France, Burgundy, Beaujolais, Moulin-à-Vent (1/18/2011)
My fourth '09 Bojo in about as many days (Foillard Morgon Cote du Py, Raousset Chiroubles, Michel Tête Juliénas Clos du Fief are the others). Guess you could say I dig these wines. Stylistically, this is the most unique of the bunch, darker in color (saturated purple rather than bright ruby), and much more pinot-like in its profile. Noticeable, but unobtrusive oak on the nose (I looked it up, this sees 6 months of wood, but don't know if any is new) to go with black cherry, some pepper, and floral notes. Pretty but not lithe, this seems to fall decidedly into the camp of more "modern"-styled Beaujolais. Medium to full-bodied, with bing cherry and pomegranate flavors with a medium, slightly tart finish. Lacks some of the verve that I've found in the best examples of this vintage, but for what it is, this is tasty stuff. May not be for everyone. (90 pts.)

Posted from CellarTracker

cheers,
scott

Post **#31** by **Kevin Harvey** » January 18th 2011, 9:34pm

It's not a 2009 but I recommend the 2007 Foillard Morgon Cuvee 3.14. Even compared to the Foillard Cote du Py ('07 or '09), this is the best Beaujolais I have tasted.

Post **#32** by **Robert.Fleming** » January 19th 2011, 7:32am

Scott Williams wrote:I hope I'm not boring people by resurrecting this thread every few days....

I don't find anything about Beaujolais boring. Good chance that's true of most who open a thread with 'Beaujolais' in its title. Keep 'em coming.

Scott Williams wrote: This latest installment, from Jadot's Chateau St. Jacques, is decidedly different in style from the others I've tried, and I bet would fool plenty a taster if inserted as a ringer into a lineup of village burgundies. Probably the Beaujolais purist would be put off by this style

Although I'm a bit uncertain what a 'Beaujolais purist' is, I'm fairly certain I'm not one. As a Beaujolais enthusiast, however, I'm not in the least 'put off' by the Chateau St. Jacques style.

Scott Williams wrote:... but if you put aside your preconceptions about what Beaujolais should or shouldn't be ....

I'm curious, Scott, especially since you are a self-described Beaujolais 'newbie': What do you think are common preconceptions about what Beaujolais should or shouldn't be?

Post **#33** by **Gordon ZenMasterOfZin Ng** » January 19th 2011, 9:44am

Scott Williams wrote:I hope I'm not boring people by resurrecting this thread every few days, but my intentions are that this evolving and growing list of TNs will be informative to some. I've got Lapierre's Morgon, Clos de la Roilette's Fleurie and Dupeuble's basic BoJo lined up for the next week, so more to come! This latest installment, from Jadot's Chateau St. Jacques, is decidedly different in style from the others I've tried, and I bet would fool plenty a taster if inserted as a ringer into a lineup of village burgundies. Probably the Beaujolais purist would be put off by this style, but if you put aside your preconceptions about what Beaujolais should or shouldn't be, this is a well-made wine, if not the purest expression of the Gamay grape.

2009 Louis Jadot Moulin-à-Vent Château des Jacques - France, Burgundy, Beaujolais, Moulin-à-Vent (1/18/2011)
My fourth '09 Bojo in about as many days (Foillard Morgon Cote du Py, Raousset Chiroubles, Michel Tête Juliénas Clos du Fief are the others). Guess you could say I dig these wines. Stylistically, this is the most unique of the bunch, darker in color (saturated purple rather than bright ruby), and much more pinot-like in its profile. Noticeable, but unobtrusive oak on the nose (I looked it up, this sees 6 months of wood, but don't know if any is new) to go with black cherry, some pepper, and floral notes. Pretty but not lithe, this seems to fall decidedly into the camp of more "modern"-styled Beaujolais. Medium to full-bodied, with bing cherry and pomegranate flavors with a medium, slightly tart finish. Lacks some of the verve that I've found in the best examples of this vintage, but for what it is, this is tasty stuff. May not be for everyone. (90 pts.)
Posted from CellarTracker

cheers,
scott

Since I just tasted that wine recently, albeit very quickly, my impression is completely in opposite. I would likely never be fooled in a blind tasting, thrown in as a ringer with Burgundies, at least none of the Burgundies I have had (not saying there are none that might be similar, just haven't tasted them).

I've been drinking Beaujolais on and off since at least the release of the 1985 vintage. If you want a Beaujolais that might (to a less exacting palate, perhaps Parker :D ) be good as a ringer in Burgundies, try a Moulin-A-Vent from Thibault Liger-BelAir. While I was not as impressed with the '09 Duboef oak aged MAV, in the past it has been the most 'Burgundian' like, or say closer to a Pinot Noir, simply because of that time in oak. I believe it may have been a distributor close-out they had on sale @WineX back in the day, 1988 or '89? Any way, it was at least a year past the initial release.

I took a bottle of that to my annual Williams-Selyem visit to pick up my spring or fall release allocations. Both Burt & Ed were really impressed with that Dubeof MAV. A year+ of bottle age and it was really smooth and tasty. I do note, when I saw John Ferrington @W-S in 1995, he was saying (and I'd agree) that he did not care for the Olivet Lane bottlings of W-S because they had some kind of flavors that were reminiscent of Beaujolais. I agreed, but the OL's did get better with each successive vintage, imho.

As to Gilman advice on trying an older bottle, looking for one in the market place; because with some age the wines smooth out? Well they do, but they need *much* more time than that in many cases---I would say find an well stored '05 or older to try. I recently tried Trenel '08 BV & Morgon '07 purchased @WHW, both of them had too much youthful, what I call, typical BB (Beaujolias Bite). Probably what many like, that 'crunchiness' crisp tartness? The oak aged Duboef MAV had mostly lost all of that youthful (or was it toned down/smoothed out by the oak?) 'bite', velvety smooth and good concentration on the palate. I also tried an highly rated '09 from the Wine House, didn't like it, too much youthful 'bite'.

Oddly enough, while I was expecting the typical BB in the Winex tasting this past Saturday, I only noticed it sticking out in the Ch. de Chatelard Morgon< was quite bitter, that 'bite'...bet the beer drinkers among us would like that wine!

As to the Lapierre from Kermit Lynch, I've only tried it once or twice, many years ago. Did not like it at all (perhaps an aged bottle would change my mind). To me it was too purple/extracted, like a Oz Shiraz style of Beaujolais, as compared to a Guigal La Turque style of Syrah. One clobbers you with extract, the other has great concentration and length on the palate but is also so elegant it's almost like a Richebourg. And come on, the gimmicky wax capsule (pretentious? how about a screwcap instead), like some cult Cali collector wine, so they can charge you even more money??? They still have the Lapierre @$40 @klwines. Absurd to pay $40 for a bottle of Beaujolais, I'll never do it--- unless someone can make a Beaujolais that is a dead ringer for a DRC, lol.

Post **#34** by **Chae Yi** » January 19th 2011, 11:31am

The Liger-Belair Moulin-a-Vent is quite big and concentrated. Darker fruited. I really liked this, but I personally like the low sulfur Lapierre Morgon. Excellent juice.

Post **#35** by **Scott Williams** » January 19th 2011, 8:37pm

Robert.Fleming wrote:
Scott Williams wrote:I hope I'm not boring people by resurrecting this thread every few days....
I don't find anything about Beaujolais boring. Good chance that's true of most who open a thread with 'Beaujolais' in its title. Keep 'em coming.
Scott Williams wrote: This latest installment, from Jadot's Chateau St. Jacques, is decidedly different in style from the others I've tried, and I bet would fool plenty a taster if inserted as a ringer into a lineup of village burgundies. Probably the Beaujolais purist would be put off by this style
Although I'm a bit uncertain what a 'Beaujolais purist' is, I'm fairly certain I'm not one. As a Beaujolais enthusiast, however, I'm not in the least 'put off' by the Chateau St. Jacques style.
Scott Williams wrote:... but if you put aside your preconceptions about what Beaujolais should or shouldn't be ....
I'm curious, Scott, especially since you are a self-described Beaujolais 'newbie': What do you think are common preconceptions about what Beaujolais should or shouldn't be?

Robert, excellent questions all. While I would consider myself a Beaujolais amateur (I've had maybe about 3 dozen in my life), I have a pretty good sensory memory of most of them, so while it may be difficult to put into words, I have some idea of what most Beaujolais taste like (at least to me). To be very general, I would say most veer toward the red fruit end of the spectrum (cherry/pomegranate/cranberry), with purity of fruit (no/little oak treatment), bright acidity, and a freshness/weightlessness on the palate. I could be way off base, but that's my general impression. This wine was different than this (not in a bad way) as it showed to me noticeable oak and showed more of a black fruit profile (plum, black cherry, currants) and resembled pinot noir more than gamay. It still had the acid backbone, but more lush fruit than others I've tried. Hope this helps clarify my thoughts, and I apologize for any wrong assumptions I made.

Gordon ZenMasterOfZin Ng wrote:Since I just tasted that wine recently, albeit very quickly, my impression is completely in opposite. I would likely never be fooled in a blind tasting, thrown in as a ringer with Burgundies, at least none of the Burgundies I have had (not saying there are none that might be similar, just haven't tasted them).

Gordon, sorry man, but I'm going to continue to disagree with you. You mention that none of the 19 wines you tried that day showed what you call "Beaujolais bite" and while I have not tried most of the wines on that list, I went through a bottle of the Raousset Chiroubles a few days ago, and that definitely had a healthy dose of acidity. As did the Foillard Morgon and Tete Julienas I've tried recently. This bottle from Jadot was the clear outlier. I had another glass today (after a glass of Lapierre's Morgon...TN to follow) and my impressions are the same. To my tastes anyway, close to a Cote de Beaune village wine in style, perhaps most like a Savigny. Part of this is probably due to the oak treatment, and park due the fact that its made by a Burgundy house. Maybe in the context of the Moulin-a-Vent flight, these characteristics didn't stand out [shrug.gif]

cheers,
scott

2009 Beaujolais recommendations for a newbie? (updated with TNs)

2009 Beaujolais recommendations for a newbie? (updated with TNs)

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