Honestly, blinded, I’d call this Burgundy. Yea know y’all snobby Burg peoople laugh, I have no Burg cred. But this is more that than this.
A fairly pungent funky nose, all earthy and meaty notes. Wild mushrooms, forest floor with spicy wild red and dark fruits. Palate is that perfect balance of silky with firm acids. Quite savory, briny, with deep purity of fruits. Finish is great, long and streaky with salty and sweet fruits. But the nose, just intoxicating. Such a funky nose. This is an Alfert wine for sure. I have always loved the more classic Beaujolais vintage, and now with some time laying down, they are showing gorgeously. This is a hit.
This bottle right now is fully in the zone. Gosh it is great.
So different than the excellent but more ripe 2017 and 2019 that @Dale_McClaran raves about - and which I love - and more like the 2021, which at the end of the day is more in my wheelhouse. I need some funk, I need some green, I need acid.
Does anyone really question that? I think it’s undeniable. The real question is whether it approaches (higher cost) Burgundy. I’ve not been convinced of that, although aged Beaujolais clearly shares many structural similarities to aged pinot noir.