Domaine de la Madone 2006 Tasting Notes

Fleurie Vieilles Vignes 2004

Conditions in 2004 were ideal for winemaking, as the summer was hot and relatively dry and the grapes ripened fully with the help of a little refreshing rain in the month before harvest. The resulting wine is a classic Fleurie which maintains the fine balance between elegance and power.

Our winemaker Jean-Marc Desprès is a firm proponent of la culture raisonnée: following natural methods of viticulture as closely as possible with minimal use of chemical pesticides or herbicides.  This method requires more manual labour to till the soil and to carefully manage the leaf canopy to ensure the grapes get just the right amount of nourishment and protection.  

Fleurie is the most attractive of all the Beaujolais Crus, and the 2004 La Madone is a tremendous example of the genre.  The long ripening season has produced a wine with beautiful floral aromas, which give way to a delicious red-fruit character on the nose and palate.  The succulent, juicy fruit is balanced by refreshing acidity and soft, ripe tannins.  At present it is the fruit character that dominates, but beneath that is a delightful element of slaty minerality and a magnificent long finish.  This is a wine that may be enjoyed on its own, or with charcuterie, grilled meat or summer salads.  It is attractive in its youth, but will develop wonderfully over the next four or five years.