Beaujolais 2021: New Releases

Just a little whole bunch is used here, and it works prefectly. The Gamay shows all the structure and sophistication of the Boillots’ Côte d’Or Pinots, but with the juicy, pretty, peppery texture of Beaujolais. It’s got gorgeous, juicy black cherry fruit with hints of wild rose, and fine-grained tannins, thanks to the excellent granitic terroir.

This is Guy Breton’s top cuvée, and is given his nickname, P’tit Max, which he has been called since childhood after his father. The wine comes from a parcel of low yielding 130-year-old vines. He says that rather than being bigger or oakier than the rest of his wines (as top cuvées at other addresses can be), it instead has a level of finesse that sets it apart. This 2021 is so refined, with juicy elegance and perfectly formed velvety tannins. There is mineral depth to the fruit, and the wine already tastes delicious at this early stage. Don’t be afraid to cellar this with confidence.

This is Guy Breton’s top cuvée, and is given his nickname, P’tit Max, which he has been called since childhood after his father. The wine comes from a parcel of low yielding 130-year-old vines. He says that rather than being bigger or oakier than the rest of his wines (as top cuvées at other addresses can be), it instead has a level of finesse that sets it apart. This 2021 is so refined, with juicy elegance and perfectly formed velvety tannins. There is mineral depth to the fruit, and the wine already tastes delicious at this early stage. Don’t be afraid to cellar this with confidence.

Jean-Claude’s Côte de Brouilly comes from a 70 year old parcel grown on the famous pierre bleue soils of Mont Brouilly, that he shares with winemaker and another Lay & Wheeler favourite Guy Breton. Aged in old foudres from the Cote de Beaune and using 80% whole bunch, this cuvee displays savoury aromas of thyme and cracked pepper. The palate abounds with dark juicy fruit and ripe, structured tannins and a vibrant length. This has the structure to age extremely well.

This 70 year old parcel is situated near Jean-Claude’s cellar on granite soil with an east-facing aspect. The cuvée is made using carbonic maceration , and is everything we want from a Beajoulais to drink young. Its fresh, crunchy, juicy fruit has an amazing cherry concentration on the palate leading to a focussed and bright finish, with just a touch of white pepper at the end. Delicious.

La Croix des Rameaux comes from a 70 year old parcel that has an elevated, west-facing (the only west-facing site Jean-Claude has) aspect. In 2021, the domaine used 80% whole bunch and low fermentation temperatures to protect the fruit concentration in this cuvee. The result brings a rich, dark cherry bouquet, and a complex yet fresh palate packed full of deliciously pure fruit that is perfectly in balance with the tannic structure. This is a classic and delicious Brouilly.