Beaujolais
Nouveau 2002
Beaujolais Nouveau has a pretty dismal image in the UK, but
each year it’s our first taste of the Northern Hemisphere’s
vintage. I was sent samples of these wines by Beaujolais specialist
Roger Harris Wines (www.beaujolaisonline.co.uk), and they are from reasonably serious producers.
With the unusual weather patterns that affected much of France during
the summer, I
suspect 2002 has been quite a tricky vintage in the Beaujolais region.
Retail prices for all three are £6.40 per bottle.
Jean-Francois Garlon Beaujolais Primeur 2002
Vivid nose with sweet juicy cherry fruit and a strong bubblegum
edge. The palate is quite savoury with more juicy, primary fruit and
high acidity. There’s good concentration and character here but the
acidity is a little dominant at the moment. Very good
Domaine de la Plaigne Beaujolais Villages Primeur 2002
Enticing nose displays cherry and raspberry fruit with a hint of
bubblegum and a little herbiness. The palate is quite savoury and a
little austere, with high acidity. A little tight, but good
concentration. Not as much fun as it should be. Good/very good
Blaise Carron Beaujolais Primeur 2002
Slight spicy edge to the cherry fruit and bubblegum nose. The
palate is quite savoury with a herbal edge to the bright cherry fruit
and very high acidity. A little unbalanced with all that acidity, and
tending towards austerity. Good/very good
wines tasted 21st November 2002
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