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In a recent Beaujolais review of 100 producers, Antonio Galloni named one of our favourite Fleurie’s as equal 1st – 2013 Fleurie ‘Cuvee Tardive’ Clos de la Roilette.
Clos de la Roilette is considered one of the most admired producers in Fleurie, covering 9 hectares on one of the best slopes in the Beaujolais Crus. These wines are beautiful when young and have capacity to age for over 10 years.
The label depicts the original proprietors’ racehorse from the 1920s called ‘Roilette’ (pictured left above). In 1967, Fernand Coudert bought this poorly maintained estate, and replanted the vineyards. His son Alain joined him in 1984, and has been the winemaker since (pictured right above).
Fleurie is the perfect accompaniment to BBQ dishes, full of rich, ripe, red fruit, without the stringent tannins. These two wines have got everyone in the office talking, which is usually a very good endorsement; our MW David Roberts calls them ‘brilliant wines for the money’. Character includes a deep colour with a hint of purple, a restrained nose of crème de cassis, a rich, full mouthfeel with aromas of cassis, black cherries, and a nutty character, and finishes with zesty acidity. This is a wine that ages gracefully and takes on the aromatic character of a Pinot Noir.
2013 Fleurie Clos de la Roilette
£137.40 per 12 bottle case Duty Paid Inc. VAT (£11.45 per bottle)
“Brilliant ruby. Sexy mineral- and smoke-laced raspberry, cherry and rose pastille scents show excellent clarity and a hint of licorice. Incisive red and dark berry flavors become sweeter with air, with suggestions of spicecake and anise adding complexity. Spreads out slowly on the youthfully tannic, persistent finish, with the floral and spice notes echoing. Coudert thinks that this wine is starting to enter a cranky phase from which it should emerge in another year or so. Drink 2015-2022.” 91 Points. Antonio Galloni. Vinous Media
2013 Fleurie ‘Cuvee Tardive’ Clos de la Roilette
£167.40 per 12 bottle case Duty Paid Inc. VAT (£13.92 per bottle)
“Brilliant ruby. Spice-tinged aromas of black raspberry, cherry pit, licorice and cola, with a suave floral nuance emerging with aeration. Chewy and focused on the palate, offering vibrant, deeply concentrated cherry and red berry flavors, a note of candied licorice and a touch of blood orange. Finishes youthfully tannic and very long, leaving allspice and red fruit preserve notes behind. 2015 – 2025.” 93 Points. Antonio Galloni. Vinous Media