Les Vins Jean-Claude Debeaune Morgon Montchoisy

This was a “legendary” vintage for Beaujolais in general and Morgon especially. In a spectacular year like this, I won’t open a Morgon until it’s had a least 6-7 years in the bottle. And this particular label will continue to improve for 10-12 years. In short, this is not a pop-n-pour wine. It should be treated like a Burgundian Pinot — because, yes, it has beautiful tannins and minerality that you don’t find in everyday Beaujolais Villages. Buy and hold …

Review 38 of #50in2024 Did not like this wine. Was hoping for a nice bright Beaujolais with just a light to medium body. Not what I got. The wine opened to a funky smell. Initially I (and my guests ) thought it was skunked. Wet earth, but not pleasant. It worsened with each swirl. The taste was ok though. Red fruit like cherry and some sweet tartness at the front …although quickly gave way to a metallic short finish. I …

So, as I had hoped, this bottle was proof that my last bottle was likely flawed. However, this one still fell far short of the 2019. Aromatics were all dark red to light blue fruits - distinct (maybe Black) Cherry. It likewise, had some fruit on the entry, though again, not prominent or deep, like the 2019. The only similarity to the last bottle was the tannins, though they were not as overbearing. In final analysis, this is an OK …

A stark contrast to the 2019. This had some intriguing aromatics but was devoid of any fruit and/or the upfront sweetness of the ‘19, which might have been obliterated by the unyielding tannins. Never, have I experienced such high tannin in any Gamay (or even Burg/Pinot, for that matter). Frankly, it was almost undrinkable. I have another bottle so, am hoping for a different experience, perhaps attributing to bottle variation.

Deep red with a ruby rim. Nose is light cherry, vanilla, and spice. Palate is true with a touch of minerality. Easy drinking and good QPR.