Cru Beaujolais - any fans?

Good point. I haven't seen much of the 2004 but I know it wasn't too great from the press. Have not tasted any 2004 at all. Does anyone have any experience with the 2004's?

Ben Snyder wrote in news:dcCdnekQDqiU_WXZnZ2dnUVZ snipped-for-privacy@adelphia.com:

excellent

There are actually a lot of folks here who a fans of Cru Beaujolais, Dollar for Dollar, Euro for Euro one of the better values year in and out. (That said I am not a fan of George DuBoeuf even before the latest scandal I found his wines to be a tad oaky spoiling the natural beauty of Moulin a Vent in favor of some "international" ie American appeal)

The Moulin-a-Vent I had was not DuBoeuf, though the Brouilly and Morgon were. I did enjoy the Brouilly the most, I think partly because of the uniqueness of the tannins. Seemed to have a wet, chalky character, like they began with a moderate grip and dissolved away to be noticed only in the background. I don't know if this is a common characteristic in Brouilly or any wines for that matter, but it was very interesting.

Moulin-a-Vent was quite good, though it didn't have any very unusual things going on like the Brouilly.

-ben

Yes, I posted notes here I believe on the 2004 J-P Brun Fleurie we had a while back: fantastic wine! I've also had his Vielles Vignes, which is a great bottle, too. I think that I have a Marcel Lapierre 2004 Morgon in the cellar, but I won't get to it until after his 2001 and 2002.

Mark Lipton

Was Régnié part of Morgon prior to that, or just a generic villages, I wonder? Seems to me the latter, but can't remember.

Anyway look for JacquesTrichard if you can find it: fabulous.

Meanwhile, goodness me. AFW has gone off in a handbasket since I went on vacation. Honestly, folks. From the most foul-mouthed trolls to Dick and UC forming a Warsaw Pact. :) WTF?

Remember please that courtesy is or should be the watchword here.

On an aside and without searching for the "Beaune" thread amidst the garbagio, we had a decent meal in Beaune in spite of the fact that Nils recs (Ma Cuisine was very highly touted locally) were on vacation. Place called Le Conty, wine was a very fresh '02 Monnier Volnay (sorry no notes).

-E

I agree with Mark- Brun (Terres Dorees) did a great job with the Fleurie and the Cote de Brouilly (as well as the l'Ancien). I also like

2004 Clos de Roilette Fleurie, though not as much as the great 2002. I was not really a fan of 2003 Beaujolais (but limited sampling)

Had a bootle of this in a local restaurant last week. Fine for drinking now IMO, but I would not argue against your wanting to keep it longer Mark. No TN, but I enjoyed it a lot.

Is it just me, or is Morgon a particularly distinctive Cru as Beaujolais goes? I am certainly coming round to the view that it is by far my favourite.

[]

Steve, many would argue that Morgon is the most distinguished of the cru, just as most would agree it is the most age-worthy. I've had many Morgon at over 10 years old, that were wonderful, smooth as silk and with great depth.

A cute aside, a great French verb to know is "morgonner" which means to age gracefully and obtain full character (grow into ones skin) just as a morgon ages.

Another great one is "faisander", to grow rank and gamey like a hung pheasant. I use that one to describe my kid's socks... ;)

-E

To the Brouilly and Moulin-a-vent mentioned above, add Julienas.

That's good to hear. It's actually received mixed reviews on the Wine Internet, but the criticism has been directed against the unsulfured Morgon, and it's not clear to me that everyone gets that (in fact, I recall M. Lapierre saying that only people who could guarantee low temperature transport and storage would be allowed the sans soufre bottling). FWIW, I've never had any problems with his wines.

Morgon has many of the more serious producers. Aside from Lapierre, there's Foillard, Thevenet, Desvignes and Breton, all in Morgon. As a region (esp. the Cote du Py) Morgon seems to produce deeper, more ageworthy wines. Only Fleurie, with Coudert, Chignard and Brun, seems to come close in terms of quality producers (or at least those that make it to the US). However, those rare serious Moulin-a-Vents and Chiroubles can perhaps give Morgon a run for its money for depth and ageworthiness.

Mark Lipton

>

Many would also say that Moulin-a-Vent and Fleurie are up there too. I like all crus, but Morgon seems to me to have something different flavourwise.

I have not heard that term before, but that certainly comes close to describing the character I associate with Morgon. Even for younger wines. Maybe it is just that there is more bret around in that village, or that they are sloppier in there winemaking :) Regardless, I like it.

Interesting. Wish I'd checked the label more carefully now. I think I can understand how some people might not like the gamey flavours I was geting (even in the 2004) but I did not realise his was a wine that was deividing opinion. It is the gamey flavours that I like, but they could well be classed as faults I guess.

I'll keep an eye out for these other producers.

As mentioned elsewhere in this thread I like all crus, but still think Morgon stands out in character, even if M-a-V can give it a run for its money in terms of structure.

I have enjoyed a couple of 2004's by Dominique Piron. Both the Domaine de la Chanaise Morgon Cote du Py 2004 and the Chenas Quartz 2004 were very nice wines, if a bit angular about 10 months ago. I think it is time to re- taste them with one more year in bottle.

S.

Bought a Vielles Vignes 2004 in March from J Brun and drank it last night with a veal dish . I have to say I was not disappointed. Solid bottle that exhibited all of the best Beaujolais characteristics, cherry and spice nose, good finish, nice mouth feel. All in all nice

Agree, the Brun old vines Beaujolais (L'Ancien) is pretty, typical, and tasty!

Tried his white Beaujolais? A treat.

I've never had a white Beaujolais. Is it chardonnay?