27 March 2011

Wine Tasting: Cru Beaujolais

Wine tasting: Cru Beaujolais
Very light turnout for this one. As in years past, these proved to be surprisingly diverse, ranging from very simple gamay grape juice (#3) to almost Burgundian (#7). All were purchased at K&L Wines, and they are all the current vintage, so should remain in stock for a while longer. Favorites in bold, as usual.
  1. 2009 Château des Jacques (Louis Jadot) Moulin-à Vent ($20): very nice, simply, straightforward table wine; I'd like it better if it were $5 cheaper.
  2. 2009 Château des Jacques (Louis Jadot) Moulin-à-Vent "Clos de Rochegres" ($32): certainly more sophisticated than the $20 offering, but a bit unfocused, perhaps better with a bit of time? In any event, hard to justify the price. 
  3. 2009 Georges Duboeuf Julienas "La Trinquée"($15): two years ago, this was a favorite, this time it was the simplest, most like the grape juice that is associated with nouveau beaujolais; still would be pleasant with a bit of chill on a hot day.
  4. 2009 Chateau La Tour du Bief (Georges Duboeuf) Moulin-à-Vent ($17): much nicer than the "La Trinquee, better than #1 for less money. 
  5. 2009 Domaine Jean-Marc Burgaud Morgon "Cotes du Py" ($19): crowd split on this one, with some enjoying the bit of complexity, the food-friendly acid, but others who felt it went too far in that direction. Nice wine, but not the measure of either #6 (less $) or #7 (more $).
  6. 2009 Domaine de Colette Regnié "Vieilles Vignes" ($15): the "best value" winner, with a more reserved, structured approach than the rest, but still very easy to like. Far more interesting than anything from California in this price range. 
  7. 2009 Domaine du Vissoux Brouilly "Pierreux" ($27): consensus favorite of the evening, with a sophisticated palate reminiscent of pinot noir from Burgundy, rather than simple gamay. Good value. 

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