Jorge “New Daddy” Henrique got me hooked on these Bao sandwiches. I’m not sure how else to describe it, and am probably offending two cultures here unwittingly, but it’s like an Asian taco. Some chewy gooey bread, meat stuff shoved inside, and pickled things as accoutrement. Being the devout Cuban that I am, I love the pork belly one. All that greasy yummy pig fat grounds me, brings me back to my homeland, with the bounty of the island in full display, warm tropical breezes gently caressing the palms, birds chattering. And the whole time I’m having this feast, reminiscing about the island - mind you, I’ve never been there - and I’m thinking, “damn, a really classic Beaujolais from a crisp year would just slay.”
This 2014 Marcel Lapierre Morgon Cuvée Marcel Lapierre does just that, slays it. I do not often buy this cuvee, first off it is pricey. And second, in years like 15 and 09, I find it too OTT. Not sure why, but the centenarian vines here seem to be on steroids in ripe years, but in classic years like 2014, the balance of intense, ripe fruit and the acids and structure work profoundly well. Sappy red fruits, game and spices on the nose. Rose petals, perhaps. The body is so perfect for a Beaujolais, sappy but medium-weight, if that makes sense. Maybe on the light side of medium, but the richness of the fruits suggests a bigger wine. Shows a really broad range of tangy and ripe red fruits plus some brambly darks on the backend. The finish is so lip-smacking, super-fresh.
I love this Beaujolais vintage. Probably my favorite in the last 10+ years. I also love this wine.
Damn Kris, I was just having the same thought. And I have a ton of Bojo. Was just thinking to myself, I am rarely disappointed by my go-to producers. And often “wowed”. I might have under-rated this wine. I’m on the third glass and it just keeps building.
Thanks for the note. I just took delivery of the 2019 and after a tester bottle, it’s getting buried in the cellar. Not as “fresh” as the straight Morgon, that’s for sure. Hopefully this develops nicely over the coming years.