After the spectacular Coudert/Desvignes showing a couple of weeks ago, I was looking forward to round 2 of Beaujolais by the Lake. I picked up Jeff and Craig at N. White Plains, and then we spent 1.5 hours on a 50 minute drive- at least I had good company in traffic. We arrived, and put out our contributions - charcuterie, cheeses, olives, and bread.
2018 At Roca Rosato (disgorged in 2021) Quiet, Rainier cherry and orange zest, a little coarse, but decent rose cava. B+/BWhat followed was a bit perplexing, a lineup I was eager to taste was mostly meh. Though room was quite warm, wines were all served at perfect temps, so that wasn’t the issue.:) Maybe it was just me.
2011 Lapierre Morgon Lifted, simple, a reminder I like Lapierre best young. B-2011 Foillard Cote du Py Morgon Corked
2011 Chamonard Clos de Lys Morgon Big, tannin, dark fruited, good length B+MMXI Lapierre (2011 Cuvee Marcel) Ripe , fleshy, not thrilling. B
2011 Metras L’Ultime Fleurie Floral with that green aroma I often get in Loire Gamay (I call it geranium, though I’m not strong botanically), aromas of wood even though I think not new oak? C+2010 Foillard Cote du Py Morgon I liked more than others. There’s a little volatile lifted note, but not extreme, but some nice black cherry and mushroom notes, but finish seems slightly tired. B
2010 Lapierre Morgon Distinct VA, red fruited,2000 Jadot Beaujolais-Villages I thought it was optimistic of Cathleen to open,but ended up being one of my favorites. If very mature. Dead leaves when first opened, but cleans up, , cigarbox and forest floor, some cherry fruit hanging on.Fun.B/B+
2010 Foillard Corcelette Morgon I liked much more than some others. Darker fruit, smoked meat, some floral notes. B+ 2010 Metras L’Ultime Fleurie Hey, it’s lots better than the 11 or 09. Snappy red fruit, some wood, herbal notes. B2009 Metras Fleurie Good fruit, a bit low acid, again I don’t think this uses oak but has a vanilla tone. B-
2009 Lapierre Morgon My fave of the Lapierres. Ripe and rich, but with a solid mineral core. B/B+Next was a blind wine,though Sasha told us 09 Beaujolais.Most crus were named, and I actually went with Beaujolais AC, as it reminded me of a recent 05 Brun L’Ancien. Really quite good, fresh red fruit but with complex herbal notes and a silky texture, light but with great finish. Brad actually got the exact wine, 2009 Billards St Amour A-
2009 Thevenet Morgon VV Pretty developed but with remaining tannin, but good fruit, some anise, some earth. B+/A-2009 Foillard Cote du Py Morgon again a bit lifted, but feels advanced , while I still liked more than others there is some distinct brett, though within my tolerance level .B
2012 Gatinois Brut Champagne I think this is BdN, but wouldn’t guess that, the supercrisp texture and apple/[earprofile would strike me as more BdB, but others feltit classic BdN. But I liked B+2009 Metras l’Ultime Fleurie Red fruit, floral stems, sawdust. Not a fan. B-/C+
I think the MMIX Lapierre (2009 Cuvee Marcel) was out, but if I tasted I didn’t take notes. There were plenty of wines left but I had a schedule to keep (I was spitting, and blew an .02 after drinking the Champagne). I don’t know why so many wines- some of which I have liked before,seemed to putter, storage history was excellent. I don’t have a BioD calendar to blame it on a root day. I did leave early, and some later wines showed well I heard. But I had fun.
Grade disclaimer: I'm a very easy grader, basically A is an excellent wine, B a good wine, C drinkable. Anything below C means I wouldn't drink at a party where it was only choice. Furthermore, I offer no promises of objectivity, accuracy, and certainly not of consistency.