An excellent trio of cru Beaujolais

Phil recently stocked the shelves with a wide range of wines, including the three bottles of Gamay featured in this post.  Given previous experience it is no surprise that I really enjoyed the 2014 D. Coquelet, Chiroubles.  This is a pure, captivating wine that should continue to improve through the winter.  As a completely different example of Chiroubles, the 2013 Fabien Collonge, L’Aurore des Cotes, Chiroubles is blacker and deeper in fruit with more obvious structure. This could be a good gateway wine for those who prefer riper wines.  Moving to Chenas, the 2013 Pascal Aufranc, Vignes de 1939, Chenas is produced from rather old vines. I recommend you let this develop into the winter or longer but right now the orange-citrus backed red fruit is really cool!  Try them all!  These wines are available at MacArthur Beverages.

2014 D. Coquelet, Chiroubles – $20
Imported by Louis/Dressner.  This wine is 100% Gamay.  Alcohol 11%.  The varietal Gamay nose was pure and articulate becoming even more perfumed with air.  In the mouth, the slightly tart red and black fruit was lighter; framed by structure and enlivened by watering acidity.  With extended air the lovely balance was captivating, showing off the perfumed flavor throughout.  The mineral flavored middle mad way to a satisfying, textured finish, and the slightest yeast hint in the aftertaste.  *** Now – 2018.

2013 Fabien Collonge, L’Aurore des Cotes, Chiroubles – $17
Imported by Constantine Wine. This wine is 100% Gamay.  Alcohol 13%. The nose bore black fruit that was almost plummy and certainly deeper in aroma.  The nose was matched by almost-round, mouth filling Gamay flavors that began light but moved to a ripe middle and dry finish.  There was acidity on the tongue from the start and eventually perfume.  The bit of structured, dry tannins suggest this will develop over the short-term.  *** Now – 2020.

2013 Pascal Aufranc, Vignes de 1939, Chenas – $17
Imported by Constantine Wine.  This wine is 100% Gamay sourced from a vineyard planted in 1939.  Alcohol 12.5%. The nose remained subtle with dark aromas.  In the mouth were tart red fruit flavors backed by some orange citrus and a little bit of weight.  It eventually took on some cranberry-grape flavors and exhibited the potential for very short-term development.  **(*) 2016-2019.