After reading Robin's report on Beaujolais, our group decided it would also be fun to do our own tasting of this rather neglected appelation. All Beaujolais were by Duboeuf from the highly regarded 2005 vintage. Tasting was done before dinner at Restaurant 101.
Duboeuf Fleurie Domaine des Quatre Vents 2005 - Quite deep color. Very nice strawberry scents. A bit of candy as well after 30 minutes. Initially, juicy, soft and dry with a touch of smoke. After an hour, some sweetness and coffee flavors also come out. Finishes with very fine, powdery tannin. Very nice and easy to drink.
Duboeuf Julienas Chateau des Capitans 2005 - Quite tannic and with less fruit than the Fleurie. Very subdued nose. I found it closed. Heavy, with a touch of smoke. A letdown after the Fleurie but I suspect it just needs more time to open up.
Duboeuf Morgon Jean Descombes 2005 - Very light, some banana. Some stinky and meaty aromas. The least liked wine and the last one to be finished.
Duboeuf Moulin-a-Vent en Fut de Chene 2005 - Very sweet, ripe fruit, flowers, oaky vanilla nose which I found very attractive. Very smooth. Sweet fruit. The most complex of the four wines tried. Mint and bacon after a bit of airing. Might still improve with another year or two of cellaring. Everyone's favorite. I guess the oak really makes a difference.
After dinner we had the Bin 389.
Penfolds Bin 389 Cabernet-Shiraz 2004 - Decanted 2 hours prior to drinking. Very dark. A bit hot on the nose. Powerful stuff! Licorice, chocolate and a bit of caramel. Also a leafy mint/tobacco character. A pronounced acidity comes out in the finish. This reminds me of the young '98 of this wine. Angular. Great potential here.