Bulliat Beaujolais-Villages
It’s nice to see a trend towards appreciation of wines that are not bombastic. Wines that show finesse and character, rather than big bold fruit flavors. Mind you, I have nothing against the later. I find myself craving a big, bold wine from time to time. However, I find that to keep balance in my wine life, I often seek out old world wines like this little gem from southern Burgundy.
2014 Bulliat Beaujolais-Villages (Burgundy, France)… $12.
Do not in any way confuse this wine with Beaujolais Nouveau. Certainly a cool wine to buy in late November to enjoy with your Thanksgiving fare, but hardly the real representation of what Gamay is all about. The Gamay grape is what Beaujolais is all about and they take it quite seriously in southern Burgundy. This wine is a classic example of what this grape can do at a very reasonable price. Trust me when I tell you that there are cru Beaujolais out there that demand some serious bucks.
Aromas of red clay, iron, violets, rose petals crushed rock, currants, tobacco and bark. No kidding, this baby has a lot going on with the nose. Red flowers are prominent on the palate, backed by cherries and tobacco with a hit of bark on the back-end. Soft tannins with good structure and a little rust action front to back. This wine is light yet intense at the same time. Instead of scrambling for the Nouveau when it hits the market, why not stock up on some of this. It is quite a step up, and in some cases less than its little sibling. (B+/A-)
Distributed by Cru Selections (Seattle, WA)
Cheers!
Stan The Wine Man
