Jean and Agnès Foillard took over his father’s domaine in 1980. Most of their vineyards are planted on the Côte du Py, the famed slope outside the town of Villié-Morgon. The estate comprises nearly fourteen hectares.
Jean followed the methods of Jules Chauvet, a traditionalist who defied everything that the more commercial brands were touting in the region. Jean and three other local vignerons, Marcel Lapierre, Jean-Paul Thévenet, and Guy Breton, joined the movement. Kermit Lynch called this group The Gang of Four.
The Côte du Py is from vines that range in age from 10 years to 90 years old.
Light crimson in color. 13% ABV. Charming nose of red fruits, flowers, earth and minerals. Medium body with exquisite acidity. More concentrated and powerful than I expected. Lush and rich with the glorious upfront fruit that characterizes the ’09 vintage. Bing cherry, cranberry, earth and baking spices on the palate. Exceptional length on the finish. Tremendous Beaujolais that thoroughly exceeded my expectations. Best over the next 2-4 years.
My rating: 93 points.
I buy this wine periodically but based on this bottle I am convinced I should probably buy most every vintage. Slightly expensive at $45, compared to other Beaujolais, but there is no arguing with the finished product.