Domaine les Roches Bleues 2005 Tasting Notes

Côte de Brouilly Des Lys 2003 

The wine this year is from 2003, when all France experienced record temperatures - nobody has seen a hotter vintage.  The ban des vendanges - the official date from which picking is allowed - was August 11th; various reports suggest that the last time it was this early was 1757 or maybe 1893.  The grapes however ripened perfectly and were hand picked in superb condition.  Our vineyard, high on the slopes of Mont Brouilly, benefited from some slightly cooler air, and this year the extra dash of acidity normally associated with grapes grown here was particularly welcome.

Our exclusive Des Lys is deep red - almost purple - in colour and has a pronounced bouquet of raspberries, blackcurrants and spice.  On the palate, the texture is quite dense and richly fruit-laden, yet it is crunchy and refreshing too.  It has great length and leaves the mouth with a clean, fruit-stone, almost mineral quality that begs another sip - a unique and delicious example of a Cru Beaujolais from the blue granite of Brouilly.  

Despite being richer and more concentrated than normal, this versatile wine can be drunk at any time, with or without food.  It goes extremely well with fish yet is equally at home with casseroles, barbecued meat, and cheese.  Serve it very slightly chilled (not cold) during alfresco picnics.  However, do try and keep a few bottles to see how they develop over the next 5 years.

Andrew Jefford, writing in February’s Decanter magazine singled out our winemaker Dominique Lacondemine as his sole recommendation from the Côte de Brouilly Appellation.  He was not the first - Dominique’s 2003 won the Gold Medal at the prestigious Mâcon Wine Fair last year.