Wine Review Archive - France, Beaujolais

2004 Beaujolais Nouveau ($10). This vintage of the uber-hyped Nouveau is pretty darn tasty. And thankfully without any of the candied banana notes that I really don't like -- even if they are Nouveau-typical... Just light and juicy black plum and berry flavors, light herbal notes and refreshing acidity. Serve lightly chilled. Ready to drink now. (As in right this second.) (Weekend Wine 12/04)

2003 Beaujolais-Villages Château des Vierres ($10). Aromatic and concentrated, with deep black plum and cherry alongside a light fresh spicy note. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine 12/04)

2003 Moulin-à-Vent Domaine des Rosiers ($14). Deep, seductive nose and silky mouthfeel, with focused blackberry and plum fruit, toasty oak, warm spices and a rich chocolatey finish. Outstanding -- especially at this price! Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine 12/04)

2003 Beaujolais Nouveau ($10). Medium-bodied, with concentrated tart cherry fruit and sweet herb flavors. Focused finish. Ready to drink now. (Tasting Party, 12/03)

2002 Fleurie Château des Bachelards ($14). Almost Burgundian, with an earthy nose and full-bodied weight. Offers deep black cherry and berry fruit, layers of spice, dark chocolate, and a nice play between mineral and oak nuances. Very good. Ready to drink now. (Not a new release, but may still be available on the shelves!) (Weekend Wine 12/04)

2002 Fleurie Domaine des Quatre Vents ($14). Deeper and richer than your everyday Fleurie, with some tannic grip on the black cherry and plum fruit. Warm spices evolve on the appealing finish. Ready to drink now. (Wine Tasting, 06/04)

2002 Moulin-à-Vent Domaine de la Tour du Bief ($14). Seductively rich and complex, with mushroom laced red fruit, heady spices, earth and roasted coffee notes. Deeply scented, with a concentrated, lingering finish. Fabulous at twice the price. Ready to drink now. (Wine Tasting, 06/04)

2002 St.-Amour Domaine des Sablons ($14). Jammy black cherry and berry fruit is layered with dark chocolate, espresso and spices. Packs a powerful flavor punch, with a focused finish. Ready to drink now. (Wine Tasting, 06/04)

2002 Brouilly Domaine de Combillaty ($12). Focused blackberry and black cherry fruit is juicy and expressive, picking up warm spices and a touch of mint on the finish. Quite appealing. Ready to drink now. (Wine Tasting, 06/04)

2002 Chiroubles Domaine Desmures ($12). Pretty red berry and floral aromas and flavors, with appealing roundness and mouthfeel. Smooth and easy to like. Ready to drink now. (Wine Tasting, 06/04)

2002 Côte de Brouilly Flower Label ($12). Juicy blackberry and plum fruit with rose petal, moderate spice and mocha. Jammy finish. Ready to drink now. (Wine Tasting, 06/04)

2002 Fleurie Flower Label ($12). Admirable structure at a heck of a price, offering balanced layers of jammy red berry, violet, and briar, picking up a lush chocolate note on the smooth finish. (Wine Tasting, 06/04)

2002 Régnié Flower Label ($10). Velvety smooth red raspberry, strawberry and red cherry fruit flavors and aromas, laced with violet and touches of black pepper and bittersweet chocolate. Lovely overall package lingers beautifully. Ready to drink now. (Wine Tasting, 06/04)

2002 Beaujolais Nouveau ($9). Our favorite Duboeuf Nouveau in years. None of that candied banana business that we've never particularly enjoyed. Juicy cherry mixes with appealing spice and floral accents. Clean and tasty. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine 12/02)

2001 Beaujolais Nouveau ($9). Beautiful scarlet color, but not so tasty. Had a hint of sour grass without expected the bright berry flavors. Did seem to "freshen" as it breathed. (Weekend Wine, 12/01)

2000 Beaujolais Fleurie ($16). This wine is velvety smooth with lush fruit and spice. The berry and cherry fruit flavors are forward and there is a noticeable hint of pepper on the finish. (Weekend Wine, 12/01)

2000 Moulin-a-Vent Aged in Oak ($16). Bursting with concentrated red fruit accented with spice and tobacco, with a creamy oak finish. Delicious and a good match with a roasted vegetable dinner of parsnips, squash, white beans and carrots. (Weekend Wine, 12/01)

1998 Beaujolais-Villages Flower Label ($7). To quote a great American, "I rule!" This weekend I made what was, quite possibly, the greatest chicken stew ever stewed. I believe world peace could truly be achieved if the warring nations of the world could simply sit 'round the table and, together, sup upon this stew. My mighty, mighty stew was enjoyed completely with a bottle of this light, smooth, and easy to drink red that nicely complemented the spiciness of the stew (have I mentioned the chicken stew?). And definitely a bargain. (Weekend Wine, 05/00)

Jean-Paul Brun 2002 Beaujolais Nouveau Domaine des Terres Dorees ($10). Shows some unusual depth of flavor and earthiness in addition to the expected spicy cherry. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine 12/02)

Laboure-Roi 2002 Beaujolais Nouveau ($9). Juicy red berry and cherry fruit, with light spice and a pleasant overall taste. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine 12/02)

Louis Tete 2003 Beaujolais Nouveau ($10). Smooth and easy to like, with delicate but flavorful red fruit, a touch of strawberry jam, and light spices. Nice balance. Ready to drink now. (Tasting Party, 12/03)

Joseph Drouhin 2003 Beaujolais Nouveau ($10). Ripe red cherry and strawberry fruit is laced with rich spices. Nice structure. Ready to drink now. (Tasting Party, 12/03)

Mommessin

2003 Beaujolais Nouveau ($10). Light, without much going on. Light strawberry and herb flavors from beginning to end. Ready to drink now. (Tasting Party, 12/03)

2002 Beaujolais Nouveau ($9). Bright purple color, with a bright, spicy berry flavor. Finishes with a hint of pepper. Enjoyable. (Weekend Wine, 12/01)

Pierre Chermette

2003 Beaujolais Nouveau ($10). Fruit-forward and pleasant, with a nice mouthfeel and that familiar banana bouquet. Ready to drink now. (Tasting Party, 12/03)

2002 Beaujolais Nouveau ($10). Ripe and tasty, with black cherry, lovely floral aromas, and a respectable finish. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine 12/02)