Beaujolais 2009 - 2011: Clos de la Roilette Griffe du Marquis 2010 and Cuvée Tardive 2011; Terres Dorées "Premières" 2011; Foillard 2010 and More!
6/14/12 -
Some of my fondest memories in wine involve drinking mature Beaujolais with Fernand Coudert and his son Alain at Clos de la Roilette, in their combination bar and cellar. Following the progress of this fine estate has been a great pleasure over the last 20+ years, especially as Alain has continued, perhaps even improved on, the great work of his father. 2010 was a particularly good vintage here, with the Cuvée Tardive showing seemingly perfect balance and great ability to age. Although this magnificent wine is no longer available, we're happy to report the July arrival of the 2010 Griffe du Marquis (Seal or signature of the Marquis - a nickname for Fernand in the village), made from the same grapes that go into the Tardive, but aged in two to six year-old barriques. "This wine is aged in barrel, and I think it's a very interesting expression of Gamay. The wood is obviously not present to mask the wine, but rather to accompany it, to complement its tannins and create complexity. It's really tight the first two years, but opens up beautifully when you give it some time" says Alain. Also arriving in July is the excellent 2011 Cuvée Tardive, and although it lacks some of the structure and acidity of the 2010, it showed beautifully last winter with gorgeous fruit and good structure for medium-term aging. Really another great wine from Alain Coudert.
Alain's 2011 Clos de la Roilette Fleurie is now in stock and is a great example of this delightful vintage, as is the scrumptious "Cuvée Première" from Domaine Terres Dorées. This blend of the younger vines at Terres Dorées showed fabulously in his cellar - it's supple, round, and perfect for this summer, especially at $13.99! Other new arrivals of note include Damian Coquelet's lovely 2011 Morgon Côte de Py and his step-father Georges Descombes' superb 2010 Morgon Côte de Py Vieilles Vignes. We've listed a few of our favorite Beaujolais from 2009 and 2010, if you've missed any of these great wines - all guaranteed to give great food-friendly pleasure over the next five to ten years - and please note a new lower price on Foillard's sensational 2010 Morgon! (Normal case discounts apply - except to Foillard!)
