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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