Winery: Joseph Drouhin

Vintage: 2008

Wine Name/Vineyard: Beaujolais-Village

Wine Category: Beaujolais

Grape blend: 100% Gamay

Bottle size: 750 ml

Region: Burgundy

State or country: France

Price: $17

ABV: 12.5%

Cases produced: Unknown

The Barrel Cellar Score:  86 points

Review date: Mar 24, 2019

About the Winemaker:  This winery exists on family owned property purchased by Joseph Drouhin in the late 1800s.  Since then it has been expanded to over 180 acres in the Burgundy region of France.  According to their website, they use natural (organic) methods to treat their vines, favor low yields to allow the flavor of the soil to concentrate in the grapes, and grow their vines from their own stocks to preserve genetic heritage and quality.  Currently 5 descendants of Joseph run and manage the winery operations.

Beaujolais is a sub region in the south east of Burgundy. Made with the thin-skinned Gamay grape, Beaujolais wines are typically known to be fruit forward, light, and “refreshing.”

Color:  Persian Red

Nose:  Cherry, strawberry

Taste:  Cherry, truffle, tobacco, oak

Assessment: 

This Beaujolais has the reserved character you can expect from a French wine.  The typical fruit forward character of a Beaujolais is however, missing in this wine.  I suspect this is in part due to the fact that I should have opened this bottle sooner; the color of the wine being more red than purple indicates that as well.  Regardless of the age of this particular bottle, the juice has held up well.  The wine is light in body, refreshing, and enjoyable.  The wine contains little tannic profile and reserved acidity.  I recommend this wine, but I’d pick up a more recent vintage.  Ready to drink now.

This wine is a great option for the dinner table.  It is reserved and will compliment your meal without “taking center stage.”  Additionally, the price makes it a great value. Joseph Drouhin 2008 Beaujolais-Village is a good wine.  86 Points.

Pairing recommendation:  Pair with a duck, chicken, or a mild cheese.

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