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.