2009 Beaujolais and a bit more.

Thanks to friends and francophiles Jean Adams and Richard Cocks for setting up a 2009 tasting on Friday night for a few mates. The 2009 theme stemmed from a discussion Richard and I had in between saxophone solos at a local jazz gig regarding our enthusiasm for Beaujolais and this particular vintage, which has been described as the best in living memory. Jean and Richard as regular visitors to France decided to include 2009 wines from other regions and producers they had called upon, however the stars were the Chiroubles. Eric Morin’s Chiroubles Cuvee Vieilles Vignes 2009 made from 50 year old vines and older was initially quite firm, then relaxed with appealing fruity and herbaceous character. Definitely a style I’d like to cellar for 2-3 years. Chiroubles La Precieuse 2009, Emile Cheysson was more forward with delicate red fruit flavours,lovely drinking now, although will keep 2-3 years. The 2009 Beaujolais vintage has recaptured my enthusiasm for this region and with a good 2010 vintage in the market there is plenty to enjoy ahead. Unfortunately neither Eric Morin’s or Emile Cheysson’s Chiroubles are available in the UK so if you are looking for the ideal match with your cold Boxing Day turkey or to have a crowd pleasing red for Christmas then buy the always reliable Georges Duboeuf Chiroubles 2009, £9.99, Waitrose. Some of the Waitrose stores will have moved to 2010 but definitely worth asking if they have any 2009 available.
Thank you Jean and Richard for an excellent vino and foodie evening, including a stunning artichoke amuse bouche with truffle oil made by Jean from a Daylesford Cookery School recipe.