2011 Chateau Thivin, Cote de Brouilly Cru Beaujolais, France.
While everyone is desperate to find and hoard all the 2009 Cru Beaujolais they can find, and drinking a few of the lighter 2010’s the 2011 vintage wines are starting to show up and they are looking great with vibrant flavors, depth and freshness, so be sure to pick up your favorite producers early as these will disappear quickly, especially the wines from Kermit Lynch’s stable of top artisans, like this beauty from Chateau Thivin. The 2011 Cote de Brouilly is brightly fruited, but is deeper than the first impression with some nice dark fruits emerging on the palate and lingering a long time on the finish. The nose is classic with cherry, plum sauce, dried violets and tangy blackberry translating on to the palate as well along with a touch of earth, pepper and walnut. There is a fine sense of structure and taught firmness without being to sharp or harsh, but as with Cote de Brouilly this Gamay shows nice intensity and vigor. This is a wine to drink and to cellar, put a few away for a couple of years if you can as it should develop nicely and drink well for 5 to 7 years easy.
($25 Est.) 91 Points, grapelive
