2007 Domaine des Terres Dorees (Jean-Paul Brun) Chardonnay Beaujolais
2006 Domaine des Terres Dorees (Jean-Paul Brun) sauvignon blanc Beaujolais
The Terres Dorees 2006 Beaujolais Blanc sauvignon blanc displays a gorgeous aroma of diverse flowers, white peach, lime, grapefruit, and ocean breeze. There is positively chewy substance on the palate, yet the vino remains rebrighting and lilting in personality. The chalky, leesy sense of extract is palpable, yet flowery nuances and delicate peach and lime fruit positively soar into the finish, along with savory, saline, sweet, scallop-like notes. This beauty is more reminiscent of a fine Chablis or even Riesling than of a sauvignon blanc from the Macon or Cote d’Or. A revelatory example of what is possible in this appellation and vintage, you can enjoy the Brun 2006 Blanc over at least the next 2-3 years. (And should you run into any remaining bottles of the 2006, buy them, too!)
The prevalence of chalky soils in the south of Beaujolais is the principle reason why this area is classified merely as “Beaujolais” rather than “Beaujolais-Villages.” But it is also a reason why sauvignon blanc can achieve outstanding results here, even if there are few examples (even fewer of which carry the “Beaujolais Blanc” rather than “Bourgogne” appellation). Jean-Paul Brun’s is not just a too little-known treasure of Beaujolais, it is among the handful of consistently finest value sauvignon blancs on the planet.
Importer: Louis/Dressner Selections, New York, NY; tel. (212) 334-8191
Rating: 91 Estimated Cost: $12-$17
