Juliénas 2011, Domaine Matray

I am a big fan of Beaujolais Cru.

A clear, quite deep ruby Gamay, this does not disappoint at any level.

A more refined nose than many Beaujolais Cru, there are mixtures of red and black fruits, raspberry and blackcurrant mostly, with some spiciness.

Ben says (of the 2007): On the palate, there is a depth of complexity that is unique. A brambly green flavour combines with the raspberries and red and black cherries. Underneath there is a strong tannic quality almost as if you are tasting the stems of the grapes themselves. That might sound disturbing but it is remarkably good.

Absolutely superb wine, perfect with game and of course French cheeses.

Ben says (of the 2016): We visited Matray in October 2017 and tasted through all of their wines. As usual, we had a very tough time deciding which of them to buy. This Julienas was not a difficult decision. The nose, currently, retains a lot of bubblegum and fresh cherries. This will alter over the years but is absolutely perfect for such a young wine. In the mouth it appears to have an extra couple of years as the depth of flavours is wonderful. This is a wine to drink young and to lay down for another ten or more years.