This 2016 is excellent. So fresh, so lively. Made me think about the last several vintages, 2015 a deeper more rich wine, 2014 a more classicly structured wine, and add this one to the mix, that’s 3 excellent vintages in a row for this producer. I still have the most excellent 2009-2011, and 2012 is no slouch. Even the tougher 2013 vintage was decent.
Florals and tangy red fruits on the nose, crushed stones and minerality. Palate is quite refreshing, pairs beautifully with grilled chicken thighs, which happens to be one of my favorite dishes with Beaujolais. Cherry, strawberry, cranberry and some subtle darks, but really more about the red spectrum right now. The acidity is crisp, keeps this wine light on its feet while still packing a very serious punch of flavor.
Kudos again to Thivin.
This is my go-to Beaujolais. Yea, Foillard hits higher highs, Metras is more distinct, Roilette is more complex. But for a pure QPR, a consistently good wine, this is it. Not many wines in the world in this sub-$50 price-point, IMHO, are this consistently good. Only $25!
You do realise that Burgundy is often better? I do concede that it doesn’t have that green/herbal element that Beaujolais often does, but that’s a plus for me.
I don’t know. There are so many good to very good Beaujolais at that price point that I could drink all day. I don’t think Thivin has a monopoly on consistency.
Robert, feel like you might’ve agreed on this in the past, but with your preferences, you better have a nice stash of Guion laying around. Excellent QPR for loire.
I’ll add my note to this thread, backing up Robert’s excellent description:
2016 Château Thivin Côte de Brouilly- France, Burgundy, Beaujolais, Côte de Brouilly (10/3/2018)
Starts with an enticing dark crushed berry nose, leading to a palate of flavorful dark berry fruit, crisp and mouthwatering acidity, good fine, slightly chalky tannins. This is a double-take wine, pleasurable on the first sip, but makes you look at the glass and say whoa, this is delicious. (91 pts.)