Sunday, February 03, 2008

2003 Chateau des Lumieres Morgon

Ok, so I haven't had a lot of Beaujolais lately. Ok, none. Before this post I had as many entries under the category "Beer" as I did under "Beaujolais". Am I missing something in the humble wines made from gamay? Time to find out.

Actually, tonight's wine was bought for another purpose - it was supposed to be tasted blind vs. a pricey Marcel Lapierre Morgon in my cellar, provide some context. But those two bottles just stood there on the floor of my cellar for months and I just couldn't wait for the perfect Beaujolais "tête-à-tête" any longer.

In the glass the 2003 Château des Lumières (Morgon) by Louis Jadot was obviously not your everyday Bojo. Deep, dark purple in hue with only a slight brick tinge, it was all raspberry and wet, chalky earth on the nose, also showing some dark, unsweetened cocoa - later a bit candied, like a cherry filled chocolate. Even less "everyday Bojo" were the ample, velvety tannins and tremendous depth. Not a lunchtime quaffer, it was a substantial wine with beautiful complexity and poise, but just a touch too chocolatey for my taste as the evening rolled on. Nicely made, it worked well with a roast chicken.
cork. 13% alcohol
Score: 16/20
Price: C$24.15 (SAQ) - the website says '05, but I bought this '03 recently

Given the rather supportive reviews of Beaujolais here, I am surprised I don't drink it more often...something for my next visit to the shrink.

7 comments:

Marcus said...

Your shrink: That's the difference between taste and judgment, Joe! Stop beating yourself up and leave the Bojos alone.

By the way, it's like going through your recycling bin all over again reading up on these bottles.

Sonadora said...

I'm really digging your wine in the snow pics! We didn't really get much of any snow here this year...I miss living in New England!

Joe said...

Marcus - after meeting with me you know I need a psychologue... you are welcome to browse my recycling bin every Wednesday, but PLEASE don't tell Edward how many bottles you find...

Hi Sonadora - the only problem with the snow pics is I can only take them on the weekend (it is dark when I get home at night). Yeah, I'm loving it - and it hasn't been too cold this year.

Edward said...

Joe,

The thing to do is sneak out late at night and put the bottles in your neighbours recycling bin. . .

I have a facination with looking at peoples bottle collections. Where I live they have weekly glass / can collections and I have felt compelled at times to stop and browse (but self respect or perhaps maybe fear of being beaten up for being a busy body stop me).

I'm still waiting for the image of snowman holding some of your empties :)

Barry said...

Joe..I could recommend a Beaujolais Nouveau I gave 18 points to...let me know if you are interested..!!!!

Anonymous said...

Joe - Check out the 05 Chateau des Jacques (Moulin a Vent), which is the same winemaker. Great stuff! Although not typical Bojo...Also try putting M. Tete in your next tete-a-tete.

Joe said...

Hi Ed - A great idea. I have checked out the neighbours' wares - mainly Greg Norman selections. That snowman will be lying on his side...

Barry - trade you for an Aligote! (highly recommended, winemaker makes DRC as well)

Hi Tyler - we still have the '04s (Ch. des Jacques) so I will give one of those a try. We seem to have more L. Tete than M. Tete locally - maybe I'll buy one of each. Thanks for the recommendation!