Cru Beaujolais in 2009 

Fleurie

Just a few kilometres from the autoroute after the Macon Sud turning, you can find the pretty village of Fleurie - probably the best known of the Beaujolais crus. The granite and schistous terroir that defines the vibrant character of these wines starts in the northern part of region at Vaux,, and works its way northwards through the magnificent countryside of the 10 crus.  It is on these soils that Gamay achieves its highest expression with concentration, character, individuality and great style.  The tiny chapel of la Madone watches over the famous Fleurie slopes, and we make an annual pilgrimage there each year to enjoy a picnic of local goat's cheese and baguette, all washed down with a glass of delicious Brouilly - Heaven!

 

Domaine de Bel Air is situated on a precipitous slope of vines near to Beaujeu, with wonderful views of the vineyards. The gradients are so steep that virtually no mechanical equipment can be used and the land is largely worked by hand.

The 2009 is being hailed as the best vintage in living memory!  I can certainly never remember Cru Beaujolais as good as this.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       

                                                                                                                                                                                     Domaine de Bel Air 

 

We first discovered Jean-Marc Lafont six years ago, and we were subsequently bowled over by his 2005s, which were sold out within weeks of our first shipment

He took over the 13 hectare estate in 1985 and has progressively modernised the estate with great care and attention to all areas of wine making. His attention to detail defines the quality of the wines – green harvesting, hand picking, and a long fermentation all help to produce stunning quality.

 

   Jean Marc Lafont

 

We've chosen four different cuvées from Jean-Marc, each from a different cru and each with it's own character.  These four wines demonstrate the fascinating differences that can occur when terroir is the only different factor.

 

 

                                                                                                                                                                                                         Mont Brouilly

 

There really is nowhere else in the wine world that can produce such sheer enjoyment in a glass from the Gamay and currently these Cru Beaujolais represent marvellous value for money. They are all bursting with ripe fruit and are ready to enjoy now….

                                                                                                                                                                                 

                            Régnié-Durette

A Mixed Case consists of 3 bottles of each of -

Régnié, “La Ronze” 2009                                                                                                                                                                    £7.50 Lafont                                                                                                                                                                                                                 This is the "youngest" of the 10 crus.  Those of you who have enjoyed M Bernado’s Domaine de la Ronze over the years will love this. It comes from the same slopes, bordering on Morgon. Low yields and a traditional vinification enhance the concentration and structure. It has a mouthwatering "coeur de pigeon" red cherry nose  with flavours of red cherry and redcurrant, underlying elegance and great length.  Fantastic value for this quality!

Brouilly, Domaine de Bel Air 2009                                                                                                                                                      £7.95 Lafont                                                                                                                                                                                                               This is classic Brouilly - deep in colour, a wonderful ripe plummy nose,  with a very soft, round and concentrated mouthful of black cherries on the palate, ending with a lovely crisp finish.  Absolutely delicious!

Saint Amour 2009                                                                                                                                                                                £8.95 Lafont                                                                                                                                                                                                                   In France, this is one of the best-selling wines on Valentine's Day - for obvious reasons!  Jean-Marc's Saint Amour comes from more northerly slopes. This is another deep wine with an enticing floral nose, a mouthful of supple, concentrated, rich cherry and damson fruit. All of this is underpinned with a hint of minerality from the granite terroir, and it finishes very long. Joyous!

Fleurie, La Madone 2009                                                                                                                                                                      £8.95 Lafont                                                                                                                                                                                                                 Finally, from the famous La Madone slopes, this Fleurie displays all the characteristics that make it the most distinctive and famous of the 10 crus.  A perfumed, floral nose – it has a lovely, soft, ripe, silky mix of red and black cherries, great elegance and a long finish, once again with a hint of minerality. Sublime!

 Mixed Case Price : £100.05 

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