Nose is concentrated tart cherry, strawberry, earthy flint, jasmine, burgundy farm funk. Palate is light, elegant, great acid, good concentration but could be a bit richer. Notes of cherry, strawberry, candied red fruit, and earthy. Took a long time to open up. Very different (better) wine after 4 hours.
Did I do this right?
Pains me to say this, but you may have opened this too young, even for me.
I opened my first bottle already in May last year and loved it! Definitely wasn’t hoping for any more richness but then I have not enjoyed the recent high octane Beaujolais vintages.
Thanks for the note. This wine is hit or miss for me from vintage to vintage. When it’s on it’s on, but I don’t seem to enjoy every vintage. Had a 2015 recently that was seemed super bretty, and too funky for my taste. 2019 on the other hand is so pure, floral and red fruited - just a lovely wine.
I’m very happy with the 2021 Beaujolais that I have tried so far and I think I will be going deep. I’ve not tried Jean Foillard but have had several from Alex and from Chamonard. 2021 appears to be back to what I love about Beaujolais.
Did you do what right? Looks like an excellent note to capture the 2021 vintage. It’s more of a classic vintage, so do not expect the big ripe fruits of say 2018 or 2015. And yes, Cru Beaujolais from classic years need some air, or just simple time in the bottle to mature.
It would be hard for me to take a swipe at Foillard as a whole for a bretty bottle. I have found most vintages to reflect the year very well, solar or more classic and the Py handles vintage better than most.
I didn’t mean to come off too negative on Foillard - I’ve had some amazing wines that are at the tippy top of Beaujolais from Foillard. I’m just a little bummed about some recent experiences. It wasn’t one bretty bottle, it was two 2015 magnums back to back. Maybe just unfortunate luck…
I avoided or drank very young everything from 15 and 18 purposefully.
Terrible luck particularly with mags.
I think I may like these wines more on the younger side. 4 - 5 years is seems to be the sweet spot for me with Foillard. I’m sure many people will disagree, but I love the explosive hedonistic fruit, and have yet to have an aged one that knocked my socks off.
Agree with 750ml. 4-7 years or straight off the truck.
This was my wedding wine out of magnum. Good vintage to drink fresh - floral, clean, clear. Will cellar my remaining 1.5 cases of 750s and 4 magnums and start enjoying at the 5-8 year mark.
Great note.
2021 is such an interesting vintage, not only in Beaujolais, but all around Europe. Highly rated in some areas and not so much in others. But I think it is a vintage you will look back at in a few years time wishing you had bought more from because it will be so rare with more “classic” vintages going forward.
100% this. In the past year I’ve had 2011 and 2013 Cote du Py and cannot for the life of me imagine that these wines weren’t more enjoyable on release.
I love tertiary flavors and appreciate aged wines as much as the next person, but it’s just not what I want in Beaujolais or why I buy it. I want bright, fresh, fruits, low tannin, low alcohol reds and I’ll serve them a little cooler and drink them through the summer. Someone will opine that a truly aged Beaujolais (say 20-30 years) is just magic, but I have many other wines to scratch that particular itch.
I liked the 2021 Cuvee Corcelette much more
I appreciate the feedback! I’m a big Foillard fan so I try to reign in my enthusiasm.
The other night I had a 2011 Foillard Morgon Cote du Py and it was really singing. Good crunchy fruit, minerality and expansive flavors.
I totally get this and agree but it depends on the Beaujolais! Some are built for aging and not immediate pleasure e.g. Château des Jacques, Château Thivin, etc.
But regarding Foillard, Desvignes, Château Bonnet and Chermette, I agree! 
Chateau des Jacques always makes me think of 1996 Burgundy…will it ever have a day where fruit = acid = tannin.
I got a mag of the 21 that I’m holding onto for a bit. I love the Cote du Py with 5-7 years of age. Thinking the mag will be best at 10+. Thanks for the note!