2005 Beaujolais Notes

Today hit up Chambers for their 2005 Beaujolais-fest and after tasting all these producers next to each other my thoughts on the vintage are becoming increasingly positive. When these landed they were very awkward but have been improving and improving. Seems like the wines from the more delicate appelations are starting to really groove. Stuff like Beaujolais-Villages, Fleurie, Julienas, etc. The fruit is glorious and the structure is on point. These are truly perfect examples of Beaujoais That will age for a while. I am going to cellar alot I believe. Yes I also know that is 2004 Lapierre Morgon above but I could not find a picture of the '05.

The '05 Brun Terres Dorees was sensational with rich red fruits, cleansing acidity and ripe tannins. Great complexity. Long finish and ripe tannins. Tannins were so ripe I had to say it twice.

The '05 Vissoux Cuvee Traditionelle was spectacular. Less complex than the Brun Terres Dorees but lip-smacking stuff. Full of red fruits and purity. Ripe tannins. I would drink this over the Brun today as Brun is great but will be much greater in six months. This is perfect today.

The '05 Coudert Fleurie was good and satisfying but not great. Seemed thin and kind of hot and too grapey with not much structure. I have not liked a Coudert regulat since the '02. I liked the '04 once and disliked it three times. Love the '04 Tardive.

The '05 Terres Dorees Fleurie is spectacular. Deepest nose so far with some dark earthy, minerally potpourri, floral aromas. Palate was firm and structured. The length was astounding. Maybe a tad less cut than the '04 but not by much.

The '05 Tete Julienas showed brilliantly. Finally. I have had it four previous times and it has dissapointed but today it was singing. Today it had wonderfully pure palate-staining red fruit. Concentrated with lovely elegance and a long finish. Really stays with you. Needed some time to calm down I guess. I'll be buying some of this.

The '05 Michaud Brouilly "Prestige de Vieilles Vignes was a big, dark evil wine. I loved it. Hugely tannic but ripe and delineated with a long finish. Forget about this in the cellar for ten years.

The Desvignes Morgon "Javerniere" was beautiful. Little bit of barnyard, some red fruits and great acidity. Focused and lean with structure to age for a while. My favorite Morgon of the day against some stiff comepetition. This was had the most finesse of the day.

The '05 Lapierre Morgon was a deadringer for Volnay today. So Pinot-like I would not have guessed Gamay if I was served this blind. Silky, elegant and pure. Pretty decadent stuff and easily most polished wine of the day. Very pretty.

The '05 Thevenet Morgon VV was as I mentioned in another post very bretty on the nose. Like a Beaucastel made from Gamay. I liked it. But I like the smell of animal feces in wine. The palate was nice but for me a bit lacking in focus. Good wine I am sure but I will try it on another day. It gets the big 'ol JD

The '05 Vissoux Moulin a Vent 'Les Deux Roches" was just too tannic to make any sort of judgement. Will retry in a different setting.