2021 Coudert Fleurie Clos de la Roilette Cuvée Tardive - France, Burgundy, Beaujolais, Fleurie (1/7/2023)
Decanted 6 hrs. Starts quickly out of gates, with framboise- esque like perfume that really delivers the scented goods. Combine this with a touch of white pepper and a pinch of fresh herbs, you have a very complete nose and unusual for such a young wine. I got hooked on all matters Roilette with the 15 vintage. I have purchased the Cuvee Tardive or the Griffe (or both) ever year, and there is something very different here than those previous vintages. As William Kelley’s astute TN starts with “Fans of old school Beaujolais will adore the 2021….”. I agree. A very pronounced and clear cut impression of soil dominates early and I loved it. Midpalate sees some dark raspberry (I’ll side step the cliche by using ‘framboise’ twice – your welcome) and absolutely spot on acidity. Smart, balanced, and a very keen finish, this Domaine does it again. $28 – Required purchase. (93 points)
To be clear - I love a lot of all the usual suspects for high end Bojo - Thivin / Foillard etc etc - yet I’m kinda getting to the point when drinking anything else - I’m saying to myself 'well this is nice, but I wish I was drinking a Roillette!"
This is such a throw-back. I’m thrilled. After a series of ripe years and big ripe meaty Roilette CTs, this is actually a proper Beaujolais. I’m trying to remember the last time I saw one with such similar translucence, maybe 2013 or 2011? Now, mind you, that does not at all mean this is a light wine. While it is medium bodied, it has wonderfully broad aromatics and senses on the palate. Most pronounced is the wild strawberry note, nice ripe and brambly, sprinkled with pepper spice and some salinity. Dry cut of earth and leafy ground cover. So fresh and juicy, powdery tannins on the finish. Love the sweet-tart finish, just lip-smackingly good.
Dammit Alfert - now I have to get even more of these! With my capacity at the point where bottles are hanging out of kitchen cabinets… ah heck who needs a spice shelf?
