WTN: Jacques Cousteau

[David M. Bueker]

2009 Louis Jadot Moulin-à-Vent Château des Jacques - France, Burgundy, Beaujolais, Moulin-à-Vent (8/21/2022)
Remember when 2009 was “too ripe”? Ha! 2009 has become a classic vintage, as climate change has made France an equatorial agricultural zone. “Solar” vintages? What a stupid term used by people whose existence contributes to climate change.

OK. I feel better now.

This has finally gotten to a place where I wish I still had more bottles. It has “Pinot-ed” to a great deal, and that’s fine. The fruit is mellow, there’s still some tannin, and it works well with food. Isn’t that what wine is supposed to do? It’s not too ripe. It’s not “solar” (who know the sun was evil and out to get us). It’s good wine.

“Solar” vintages? What a stupid term used by people whose existence contributes to climate change...It’s not “solar” (who know the sun was evil and out to get us). It’s good wine.

Not sure your hate of the term solar wine? It's a pretty value neutral French term, to highlight wines that are marked by the sun (as opposed to the vineyard or the cepage). Whether or not it's a good thing varies by personal taste.

[David M. Bueker]

It’s largely used as a pejorative by American geeks these days. Nothing neutral about it.

It’s largely used as a pejorative by American geeks these days. Nothing neutral about it.

Sure, the geeks with those subjective preferences. But more broadly it's just an adjective like ripe or rich, and I wouldn't place it in the same category as adjectives with specific negative direction: nasty/horrible/etc.

But if your rant is directed at this subset of American folks, I guess I can see that!

[David M. Bueker]

Yes - directed like a laser at the floor in front of my cat.

Always enjoy a Jadot note. Last night at Devines staff BBQ, loved the 2015 Saint Romain. A great chardonnay for sure, will post TN later.

[David M. Bueker]

Sounds good Bob.

Jadot gets overlooked - often tarred with the "negotiant" label when they produce numerous outstanding domaine wines, and some of their negotiant wines are also top notch & good value.

I have not explored recent vintages, as I have a lot in the cellar, but I am curious to try the wines from their new team that came on after Jacques Lardierre's departure. I need to make an effort to do that.

[Jenise]

I owned the '11. Gone now, wish I'd saved some.