WTN: Burgaud Morgon James 2006

Jean-Marc Burgaud Morgon Côte du Py "James" 2006
13% abv; c.30€

Burgaud is known for making tight, backward wines that require plenty of age in the bottle to really open up - especially the James bottling, from a small parcel near the cross at the top of the Côte du Py hill. But I thought that nearing age ten would be enough.

Hahaha.

Tight as a drum. Tarry aromas with a touch of something fragrant vaguely reminiscent of fruit. Tannic, structured, unforgiving. <Puts tinfoil hat firmly on the head>Or maybe J-M Burgaud grows Nebbiolo on the hill instead of Gamay? Just think about it! WAKE UP SHEEPLE!!!! This is so completely different from any other Gamay. And it's just the official truth that THEY tell you that only Gamay can be grown. But of course our shape-shifting reptilian overlords won't tell you this! You heard it first here!!!! I bet the Illuminati will soon delete this thread!</tinfoil off>

I do like the balance between all the elements but it really does need some red meat now. And even that doesn't really open it up. This probably needs a decade more. Gamay can sometimes be very long lived - I've been surprised by some 1982s that were still wonderful - but Burgaud's Burgundian style seems unique in how they not only can age but in how they absolutely need to be aged. So: very promising. But hold.

[David M. Bueker]

I have the 2010 of this and the other named cuvée. I may not live to see them open up.

For Burgaud, 2010s were much more approachable than 2006. But still I'd bury them deep in the cellar.

Just purchased the 2014 Beaujolais Villages..not sure how long to wait?

More news on the 2014 Beaujolais vintage and wines to look out for.

http://thefinewinereview.blogspot.ca/p/ ... s-ive.html

[Jenise]

Otto, I own some Burgaud. Bought it for I can't recall what reason, but it certainly didn't warn me of the reputation you report which I am now relieved (and kind of happy) to learn of based on the one bottle I've opened. Now I know what to do with the rest.

Otto, I own some Burgaud. Bought it for I can't recall what reason, but it certainly didn't warn me of the reputation you report which I am now relieved (and kind of happy) to learn of based on the one bottle I've opened. Now I know what to do with the rest.

Which bottling and vintage do you have?

[Jenise]

I'll go check, not sure. 09 or 10, and maybe a 'Reserve'.

[Jenise]

It's the '10 Reserve. Three bottles remaining.

I almost never see Burgaud, just not in my market I guess

It's the '10 Reserve. Three bottles remaining.

And let me guess, your impressions thus far have been that it's tight, hard as nails, un-giving? My recollection of the '10s were that they weren't as tight and Nebbioloish as the '06s, but almost. The reserve doesn't need quite as much age as the James so I might open the first of those at about age 10-12 and see then if they need more age.

[Jenise]

I didn't leave any notes behind on Cellar Tracker to give you exact impressions, but yeah. Rustic with rough tannins, not showing much fruit. Not at all what I expect from Beaujolais. Bought blind from Garagiste, so didn't know what I was getting into.

Bad news for those who plan on living normal length lifetimes: Burgaud's importer and I just talked about their longevity. He opined that the 1992 is just beginning to drink well. I think we can conclude that these aren't your average Beaujolais.

[Jenise]

Bad news for those who plan on living normal length lifetimes: Burgaud's importer and I just talked about their longevity. He opined that the 1992 is just beginning to drink well. I think we can conclude that these aren't your average Beaujolais.

Holy moly.

I have never had a Burgaud but this discussion incites me to steer clear of them deliberately. That's not at all what I am looking for in my Beaujolais fixes. How do they turn out when fully mature?

My oldest Beaujolais was a 1982 Morgon, Berry & Rudd bottled, drunk in the late 90s. It was good wine, smooth and quite rich but nothing very Beaujolais about it; more like a minor Côte d'Or a bit lacking in pinosity. In the 80s, I would have been much better off buying a Côtes d'Or villages or a Côte Chalonnaise cru from a good producer, but nowadays the prices of many are becoming prohibitive

[Jenise]

I have never had a Burgaud but this discussion incites me to steer clear of them deliberately. That's not at all what I am looking for in my Beaujolais fixes.

Couldn't agree more. This might turn into something interesting but for now and some time to come I have a loser taking up space that could be holding Foillards, and that's not why I buy Beaujolais. I wonder what tempted me in the Garagiste mailer. If I can dig that out, I'll post it.