Beaujolais wines were very popular about 20 or so years ago, but they were eclipsed by others, like Shiraz from Australia and Malbec from Argentina, as well as wines from Chile, Washington state, Oregon, and New Zealand. And why not? Beaujolais wines were made from the Gamay grape and the vinification methods used resulted in a simple, sweetish wine that was more or less blah compared to other light wines on the market, like Nebbiolo and Pinot Noir. Today, thanks to the use of new equipment and methods, Beaujolais is, or at least can be a great wine unto itself. It tastes a little bit like Pinot Noir (Beaujolais' 12 appellations are located mostly in Burgundy, where just about all wines are made from Pinot Noir), but with other influences, given its proximity to the Mediterranean and the Rhone Valley.
Brouilly is one of the best-known Beaujolais appellations, and 2015 was a great year. According to Vinous Media critic Josh Raynolds, the very best 2015 Beaujolais wines were rated 94 or 93 points, with many of the best being released at prices in the $50-$70 range. One of the best values of that group is the 2015 Robert Perroud Pollen Brouilly en Saburin, released at a modest $22/bottle. Raynolds had this to say about the wine: “Brilliant magenta. Highly perfumed, mineral-accented scents of red-fruit liqueur, candied flowers, and five-spice powder. Sappy, deeply concentrated yet energetic raspberry and rose pastille flavors show impressive clarity and develop a hint of Asian spices in the glass. At once powerful and lithe, finishing impressively long and displaying excellent delineation and silky, harmonious tannins.” The 93-pointer’s drinking window is 2020-2026. And the price? As low as $14.50 from Saratoga Wine Exchange. ($14.50 is the case price. Team up with neighbors and friends. Buying by the case can also result in free shipping. WINOS REJOICE!)
Brouilly is one of the best-known Beaujolais appellations, and 2015 was a great year. According to Vinous Media critic Josh Raynolds, the very best 2015 Beaujolais wines were rated 94 or 93 points, with many of the best being released at prices in the $50-$70 range. One of the best values of that group is the 2015 Robert Perroud Pollen Brouilly en Saburin, released at a modest $22/bottle. Raynolds had this to say about the wine: “Brilliant magenta. Highly perfumed, mineral-accented scents of red-fruit liqueur, candied flowers, and five-spice powder. Sappy, deeply concentrated yet energetic raspberry and rose pastille flavors show impressive clarity and develop a hint of Asian spices in the glass. At once powerful and lithe, finishing impressively long and displaying excellent delineation and silky, harmonious tannins.” The 93-pointer’s drinking window is 2020-2026. And the price? As low as $14.50 from Saratoga Wine Exchange. ($14.50 is the case price. Team up with neighbors and friends. Buying by the case can also result in free shipping. WINOS REJOICE!)
