Another entry from the dissertation backlog. Unlike Bordeaux, I don't think "vintage of the century" is a phrase you ever hear coming out of Beaujolais. So when Georges Duboeuf himself declares 2009 the vintage of a lifetime, I am more inclined to take him a bit more seriously. And I must say, my experience with the 2009 Cru Bojo's indicates an exotic, ripe, dense, almost Rhone-ish vintage that really expands my understanding of what Beaujolais is capable of. So it seems to me that here the hype is fully deserved - this is an amazing vintage. And considering that all the wines here are around $20 or less, this may be the best value you can get for a "vintage of the century." This tasting is from back in May, organized by Bill Morgon, my neighbor and a more-or-less-silent WLDG member.
Georges Duboeuf, Flower Label, Chiroubles 2009
Medium red-purple. Nice, peachy nose. Blackberry, roses, and prominent peach notes. Medium bodied, with almost candied fruits. Good fruit density. Usual, but very attractive and aromatic. 3 - 5 years more. *** [5/22/11]
Georges Duboeuf, Flower Label, Cote de Brouilly 2009
Dark purple. Nose deep but low key: flowers, plum, and dark fruit / cassis. Hint of dark, bitter cherry upfront on the palate, black raspberry, cassis, plum. A hint floral, a bit tart, hint of chocolate. Chalky, somewhat grippy tannins. All with an overtone of accentuated red fruit. Some aromatic personality as well. Full bodied, a more serious style. Approachable now but will benefit greatly with age over the next 5 years or more. **(*) [5/22/11]
Georges Duboeuf, Chateau des Capitans, Julienas 2009
Dark red. Great nose: deep, dense, rich, dark, pungent earthiness / wet gravel, almost barnyardish. On the palate, black cherry, blackberry, tart currant, and red plum, with cocoa powder, granite, spice, and drying tannins. Very full bodied. 5 - 10 years ahead. ***(*?) [5/22/11]
Georges Duboeuf, Belles Grives, Morgon 2009
Almost opaque purple. Great nose: deep and earthy, with violets. Palate: black currant, red plum, hint of tar, granite/earth, and abundant, drying, slightly spicy tannins. Dense, ripe, and big, with a really good finish. An exceptional Morgon, and a extraordinary value at $15. 10 years ahead of it. ***(*?) [5/22/11]
Georges Duboeuf, Domaine des Rosiers, Moulin-a-Vent 2009
Almost opaque purple/red. Really great nose of black fruit, floral notes, red plum, and gravelly earth. Dark fruit tones on the palate, with blueberry, some tart red fruits, plum, and juicy currant, with mineral, earth, and spice. Nice, succulent tone. Some aggressive tannin. Good density and ripeness. Good structure, can age for 10 - 15 more years. Most serious wine of the tasting. *** [5/22/11]