Jean-Claude Lapalu, Cuvee Fous, Brouilly

A very good Brouilly from Beaujolais crafted by probably one of the most respected growers in Beaujolais J.C. Lapalu, made from 100-122 year old organic and biodynamic vines of single varietal of Gamay. Deep ruby. Medium intensity complex aroma of barnyard, tobacco, herbal, tar, kvass, smoky plums, dry meat. Medium body, so many layers dancing with each mildly densed sip over time, black fruits are fragrant, herbal, vegetal and smoky supported by bright acidity, mellow tannins and long smoky and …

Served blind to our group of Burgundy lovers (and a couple of self professed Beaujolais haters) what a result! Decanted and an immediate smoky, wild dry meat and garrigue herb funk came off the wine (reductive winemaking perhaps?) but within minutes the wonderfully pure blue and black fruit (cherry and raspberry especially) billowed up behind it and then moved centre stage. Seriously endowed with strikingly concentrated fruity elegance, a satin texture and finishing with brilliant purity, everyone was A, loving …