Burgaud Morgon Cote du Py Reserve 2009
First, I wrote this:
Poured 10 mins ago and now at 21°C (70°F), this smells of bright cherries and sour plums in a dark wild forest. If you've never walked through a European wood and suddenly come upon some abandoned wild fruit trees with fruit on them, then perhaps you don't know what I mean by "dark wild forest" but fairy tales perhaps give a clue. There're some violets and slightly rotting woods on the forest floor too. There's even a little minerality in the guise of hewn stone. A lovely nose.
Lots of gravel on the palate, with lovely savoury tannins. They are slightly leathery and deliciously chewable. The acidity is very well judged - neither too harsh and cutting nor too lifeless and flabby (woodwind-like?). The finish has a very slight lacticity to it that is almost imperceptible.
If I had to criticise, I'd say the very back palate has a slight kick to it, like a leather-scented horse just started away and kicked a little acidic dirt in your face on the turn. Hmmm.
It's solid, yet easy; refreshing and savoury. It leaves me wanting to take another sip.
There are better and more elegant Beaujo, but this is still a delicious one.
Cooled down a little to about 18°C (64°F), this smells even more earthen, fallen-leafy; almost-mushroomy, and slightly animally. Even better.
Then, I wrote this:
Bright cherries and sour plums on the dark nose. Slightly floral and woodsy.
A chewy quantity of sandy tannins and well judged acidity. Back palate is a little harsh.
Refreshing, easy to drink, very good.
Which do you prefer?
