To Gamay or Not to Gamay
How many times do we default to Cabernet Sauvignon or Pinot Noir when asked to bring wine to dinner?
Albert Bichot Fleurie 2020 from the Zoom Tasting on April 27, 2022
The wild and delectable 2021 Day Wines Infinite Air Castles, Willamette Valley 2021
I have often followed the easy way out, but when I drank my glass of Gamay over the Thanksgiving holiday, I thought this grape variety near and dear to my heart, “This wine is so delicious that I have another glass.” Additionally, Gamays at the “crème de la crème” class is more affordable than the best Cabs or Pinots. This is my list of top Gamays I have tasted in 2022.
· Albert Bichot Fleurie La Madone 2020. Albert Bichot is one of the most consistent producers of excellent Chablis and Beaujolais. This wine is bright, elegant, and lively. Red fruits abound, excellent energy on the palate, hints of flowers, lively and in the finish, perfect with roast game hens. (My Score: 94 Points) Suggested Retail Price: $55.
· Château des Capitans Juliénas 2020. This domain was discovered by Georges Duboeuf, and it is one of their best Beaujolais producers. An explosion of enticing fruit from start to finish. Aromatic boysenberries lead the way to more berries and dried spices on the palate, bright and rewarding in the finish. (My Score: 93 Points) Suggested Retail: $32.
· Château des Jacques Morgon Côte du Puy 2020. I have enjoyed this wine over the years. Aromatic, pleasing red fruits, nicely built on the palate, layered, firm, and lasting. (My Score 92 Points) Suggested Retail Price: $44.
· Armand Combier Premières Beaujolais-Villages 2020. Imported by Hand Picked Selections, this producer has made with excellent persistence and generosity. Black raspberries and blackberries are up-front; elevated on the palate; with slight rusticity, earthiness, and spiciness; an excellent choice with a basic beef stew. (My Score: 90 Points) Suggested Retail: $20.
· Domaine des Quatre Vents Fleurie 2020. Another domain from Les Vins de Georges Duboeuf. This is a jazzy, frisky wine. Fresh, persistent, and lively red fruits; bright and frisky finish. (My Score: 92 Points) Suggested Retail: $32.
· Domaine de Rosiers Moulin-à-Vent 2020. Juicy with excellent intensity; ripe fruits, bright berries, persistent and long on the palate. (My Score: 91 Points) Suggested Retail: $35.
· Domaine Jacky Gamay, Touraine 2021. Straightforward and lively; smashed plums; earthy, cranberries; mineral notes in the finish. (My Score: 90 Points) Suggested Retail Price: $20.
· Day Infinite Air Castles, Willamette Valley 2021. My first foray into this Oregon producer, the Day wines seem to offer limitless creativity. Bright rhubarb and vivid black cherries; fresh and pleasing; bright and active finish. (My Score: 91 Points) Suggested Retail: $40.
· Gilles Copéret Morgon 2019. The Morgon area has often produced wines with excellent rated and persistence. Demonstrative black fruits; excellent richness and staying power on the palate; dried leaves; and shading of tannins. (My Score: 93 Points) Suggested Retail Price: $20.
· Maison Passat Fleurie 2020. Aromatic berries; layered palate; a potpourri of fruit in the flavors; lively in the finish. (My Rating: 92 Points) Suggested Retail; $24.
Next time you are asked, “Please a bottle or two of wine for the dinner.” Consider a Gamay. You find lots from Beaujolais, a few from the Loire Valley, and the United States. In 2023, I am making a point to taste Gamays from as many port-of-calls as possible. Beaujolais est Arrivé!
The spot-on Arnaud Combier Beaujolais-Villages Gamay 2020
