2023 Clos De La Roilette Fleurie Cuvee Tardive 750ml

The Clos de la Roilette Fleurie Cuvée Tardive is a benchmark for structured, age-worthy Cru Beaujolais. Unlike many wines from the Fleurie appellation, which are known for their delicacy and floral character, the Clos de la Roilette parcels border the more muscular Moulin-à-Vent cru. The name Tardive (late) doesn't refer to a late harvest, but rather the wine's inherent structure from old vines (80+ years) and unique manganese-rich clay soil, which necessitates and rewards later drinking and cellaring. Grape Varietal Gamay (100%) Region Fleurie AOC, Beaujolais, France. The Clos is a single lieu-dit with an atypical terroir for Fleurie, bordering Moulin-à-Vent. Style A full-bodied, concentrated, and structured Cru Beaujolais red. It undergoes a traditional, semi-carbonic whole-cluster fermentation with native yeasts, followed by a relatively long maceration (around 18 days) for depth, and is aged in large, old oak foudres for about 9 months. Color A deep ruby red with garnet and purplish reflections, reflecting its concentration. Aroma The nose is complex and powerful, showcasing a blend of floral and dark fruit notes. Expect aromas of peonies and violets intertwined with black cherry, dark black fruits, and pomegranate. With air, savory notes of licorice, sous-bois (forest floor), and a hint of spice may emerge. Flavor The palate is full and weighty, offering a generous core of ripe fruit while maintaining excellent freshness. Flavors of black raspberry and crushed strawberry are layered over a firm, earthy, and mineral-driven backbone. The 2023 vintage is noted for its ripeness and concentration, presenting a full-bodied feel with grippy but fine-grained tannins and a long, complex, slightly racy finish that shows a clear mineral quality (graphite/stone) from the manganese-rich soil. Food Pairing Its structure and depth allow it to pair with richer, more substantial foods than a typical light Beaujolais. Red Meats: Roast chicken, veal, pork tenderloin. Savory Dishes: Charcuterie, mushroom dishes, braised meats, and hard cheeses. Holiday Fare: Thanksgiving dinner (turkey and all the trimmings). Overall The 2023 Cuvée Tardive is a serious, age-worthy expression of Gamay. It expertly combines the floral elegance of Fleurie with the power and structure of Moulin-à-Vent, a signature of the Clos de la Roilette estate. While enjoyable after some aeration in its youth, it truly benefits from 1-2 years of bottle age and has the capacity to evolve beautifully for a decade or more.