Juliénas Vieilles Vignes 2011, Domaine Matray

I am a big fan of Beaujolais Cru. Unfortunately for us in the UK, Juliénas is one of the less well-known appelations. Let us hope that this excellent wine will help change that situation soon. A clear, quite deep Gamay, Ruby - 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. On the palate this wine is mature beyond its years. 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.