I do not drink a fabulously large amount of Beaujolais, but I’ve enjoyed so many of the 2009s I’ve sampled at tastings I’ve thought it worth scoring a few bottles. This bottle is really outstanding, easily one of the very best I’ve ever tried. As you can see from the attached picture, neighbour Dan is having a good time with this magnum too.
I suppose the question to be asked about this is its cellar-worthiness. As far as I see any point in ageing Beaujolais I think this has the balance and structure to make it able to last for 5-7 years, perhaps a few more. However, when it is so enchanting to drink now, and you’d have to be an obdurate sourpuss not to see it as such, I would be popping them soon to share with friends as close to you as the neighbours are to us. We are having a cracking time with this magnum.
[image image_id=”4445″ size=”medium” align=”left”]Morgon Vieilles Vignes 2009, Chateau Grange Cochard en magnum
I’m finding this nose really attractive, there is a great depth of ripe, dark fruit to it which is not the slightest bit bubblegum-like in character. This is conjoined with a pronounced stoniness of such sophistication I’m somewhat discomposed; as I smell it I keep thinking it is far more serious than almost any Beaujolais I’ve ever encountered. Wow, the palate is also rather sophisticated. There is a proper, impressive tannic structure here and plenty of acid both of which harmonise wonderfully with the ripe and crunchy fruit that permeates it. I’m rather taken with the profound depth of flavour that is getting its mitts on my laughing gear. Beaujolais, man, this is Beaujolais! I know I’ve had top Beaujolais before but this tickling my ticklish bits far more than I was prepared for. Both the Elitistreview team and the neighbours incontrovertibly recommend this joyous bevvie. Go! Go and buy some!.
[image image_id=”4444″ size=”large” align=”center”]Drinking wine from a magnum with the aid of a straw does make Dan look a tad florid, don’t you think?
The issue of ageing Cru Beaujolais is one that I’m still struggling to get to the bottom of – even though I’ve old and young Beaujos. Very interesting read.
Would be interesting to know how you came to choose this bottle… and, more generally, how one sets about choosing Beaujos… there isn’t the same amount of critical coverage of them (not that this is a bad thing).
Hi Guy,
You are right that there is not much coverage on desirable Bojo producers – I purchased this on the basis of a personal recommendation. I suppose the thing to do would be to look up the various Cru entries in a book like Hugh Johnson’s annual pocket guide to get a list of recommended producers and then watch the press/internet for reports of a good vintage. Not the best solution but all that springs to mind at the moment.