2009 Château de Lavernette Beaujolais-Villages

The Lavernette (like so many 2009s even of village appellation) darkly-hued 2009 Beaujolais-Villages smells of fresh red currant, purple plum, and toasted nuts. Bright and firm on the palate, it finishes full of refreshingly tart, bitter-edged fruit and with underlying salinity, almond extract, and marrow-like, clean meatiness. This will be a delight for at least the next 12-18 months. If the impression left by their latest releases does not deceive, the new custodial generation of Chateau de Lavernette – Xavier and (ex-pat American) Kerrie Boissieu are taking this long reliable source in Leynes to new heights. Importer: Vintage 59, Washington, DC; tel. (202) 966 9218