Cru BeaujolaisCru Beaujolais refers to the ten villages within the Beaujolais region (administratively

a part of Burgundy but worlds apart in terms of character) that are consideredprovenances of such pedigree that they are entitled to label their wines with theirvillage name. These ten villages – St.-Amour, Julienas, Chenas, Moulin-a-Vent,

Fleurie, Chiroubles, Morgon, Regnie, Brouilly, and Cote de Brouilly, going from northto south – each have their own distinctive characteristics (the wines of Morgon, forinstance, have a greater level of depth than most, whereas the wines of Fleurie,fittingly enough, have a floral elegance to them), but still with the youthful core offresh red fruit and brisk acidity that make them such celebrated wines for pairing(with the exception of Moulin-a-Vent, perhaps – it is the most famous of the Cru

Beaujolais, but whose best examples can be so concentrated and long-lasting thatthey veer towards the atypical). If all your experiences with Beaujolais are tied intoNouveau than a step up is advised; after all, from good Cru Beaujolais it is only a

short journey – both figuratively and literally – to proper red Burgundy.

DOMAINE DU MOULIN D’EOLE “Les Thorins” Moulin-a-Vent 2013Green’s Cash Sale Price:

As stated above, Moulin-a-Vent (meaning “windmill” in French) is the most well-known of the CruBeaujolais, and can also be the most age-worthy; not surprisingly, it is also often the most

expensive of the crus. The Moulin d’Eole vineyard from which the Gamay is sourced for thissuperlative example was planted in 1907, with the wine produced fulfilling all expectations – a

more substantive Beaujolais in every sense.

DOMAINE DE LA COMBE AU LOUP Chiroubles 2013Green’s Cash Sale Price:

The most highly-situated of the Cru Beaujolais (in terms of elevation), this is also the most typical(read: lightest) of the crus when it comes to what is considered the “classic” Beaujolais style.

The 2013 Chiroubles comes from 50-year-old vines and undergoes semi-carbonic maceration. Ithas a delightful Morello cherry and strawberry-scented nose that unfurls in the glass. The palate ismedium-bodied with ripe, juicy tannin, well-judged acidity and a fleshy, appealing finish. This is a

Chiroubles that is well worth seeking out.-Wine Advocate

DOMAINE LAUNAY St. Amour 2013Green’s Cash Sale Price:

The northernmost cru, and the one with perhaps the most appealing name, if you go for things likethat. This is also an area where a substantial amount of the relatively rare Beaujolais Blanc is

produced.

Rich, with a smoky base and notes of black licorice, creamy black currant and grilled plum.Balanced, leading to a moderate, lightly spiced finish.

-Wine Spectator

ALBERT BICHOT “Cote du Py” Morgon 2012Green’s Cash Sale Price:

Considered one of the most dense in style of the Cru Beaujolais (second only to Moulin-a-Vent),many contend that it is only the wines that come from the Cote du Py slope within the Morgon

region that achieve this proper level of depth. There is a level of sophistication here that preciselyshows what it is about the Cru Beaujolais that separate them from the more standard fare.

DOMAINE SANGOUARD “La Citadelle” Beaujolais-Leynes 2013Green’s Cash Sale Price:

The Beaujolais-Leynes is an example of a village that produces Beaujolais of a higher caliber,although it is not recognized as its own cru. These wines are thus either incorporated into aBeaujolais-Villages blend, or as appended to the Beaujolais moniker such as the case here.

Grown on granite soils (an element that also distinguishes the Cru Beaujolais), this wine pours avibrant ruby-purple, with notes of strawberry, spice and licorice. A classic pairing with charcuterie.

GEORGE DuBOEUF Beaujolais Nouveau 2015Drops Thursday, 19 November

Beaujolais’s questionable calling card will hit the floor on 19 November worldwide, maintaining itsdistinction as the first appellation wine to bear the current year vintage. The wine-making methodmost readily identified with Beaujolais – carbonic/semi-carbonic maceration – is most forcefully

displayed in this most youthful of wines, producing intensely bright notes of strawberries,bananas, and, for me personally, Jolly Ranchers. If you haven’t experienced this worldwide

“phenomenon” for yourself, might as well start now…

HOLIDAY SPECIALS

ANNE AMIE VINEYARDS Green’s Cuvee 2014Green’s Cash Sale Price:

Our Willamette Valley Pinot Noir section in the stores is burgeoning, and for goodreason – these are Pinots of wondrous QPR when you assess them across theboard. The Anne Amie estate are particular favorites, crafting Pinot Noir, Gris &

Blanc of particular nuance and concentration. When the opportunity thus came for usto put together a special Pinot Noir blend for Green’s – the wine being composed of

different lots within the Anne Amie vineyards, vinified separately and thus eachreflecting their particular provenance – we did not hesitate. We as a wine staff have

been eagerly awaiting the arrival of our cuvee; please join us in enjoying it thisholiday season.

BORDEAUX – Back VintagesA refrain from current Bordeaux customers is that a few back vintages previouslyunheralded – especially in comparison to the back-to-back coronations of 2009 &

2010 as the “vintages of the century” – have been drinking beautifully. Did wetherefore have any in stock? Our recent trip to Bordeaux made sure we do. Come

see what we have available, keeping in mind that these are going fast.

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