Just when you thought the great 2009 Beaujolais were gone....
Originating with 50 year old vines in the Les Monthieux lieu-dit just west of Regnie, Potel-Aviron’s 2009 Beaujolais-Villages is aged in old demi-muids. Bright and tart for its vintage, this showers red currant and red raspberry on the nose and palate, accompanied by precisely the sort of greenhouse-like impression of foliage and flowers that I described in the 2008 vintage (in issue 184). Subtle salinity and the tart edge of berry skin enhance a sense of invigoration uncommon from this warm growing season. I am sure this will remain delightful for at least 12-18 more months (and in the past I have underestimated how long one can enjoy this particular Potel-Aviron bottling).
Rated 88/100 The Wine Advocate
2009 Potel-Aviron Morgon Cote de Py Vieilles Vignes...$19.99
The sumptuously-textured Potel-Aviron 2009 Morgon Cote du Py Vieilles Vignes is surprisingly understated but ultimately quite convincing, and almost certainly worth pursuing for another 3-5 years. Salted plum and its pit; elderberry; beef marrow; bay laurel; crushed stone; and bittersweet inner-mouth perfume of iris and gentian combine for a complex, savory, and intriguingly as well as mouthwateringly lingering finish. This sensational value is a great example of what’s possible from this unique, basaltic sector of the Morgon appellation as well as from the superb 2009 vintage.
Rated 92/100 The Wine Advocate
2009 Potel-Aviron Moulin a Vent Vieilles Vignes....$19.99
There is no shortage of ripe plum and dark berry fruit in Potel and Aviron’s 2009 Moulin-a-Vent Vieilles Vignes, to which a suggestion of meat juices adds welcome savor. But there is considerable tannic roughness from barrel, and the overall impression – while arguably more vintage-typical – lacks the brightness that accrues to most of this team’s 2009s. I am not terribly optimistic that the sort of structure present here will support more than another couple of years in bottle, but perhaps it will meantime gain further interest.
Rated 88/100 The Wine Advocate
2009 Potel-Aviron Julienas Vieilles Vignes....$16.99
Another example of Potel and Aviron Beaujolais unusually tart and bright for its finish, their 2009 Julienas Vieilles Vignes leads with bright red raspberry and pomegranate garnished with hibiscus. Rose hip, salt, and rich notes of beef marrow (more typical of Moulin-a-Vent) add allure to the polished, irresistibly juicy palate, and the wine finishes with an exuberance and refreshment that compel the next sip. It should be fascinating to follow for the next 2-3 years – though under no circumstances should it be neglected for the immediate future!
Rated 91/100 The Wine Advocate
2009 Potel-Aviron Fleurie Vieilles Vignes...$19.99
The Potel-Aviron 2009 Fleurie Vieilles Vignes hails from the Point du Jour – near the edge of the Moulin-a-Vent appellation – and La Madone. Tart-edged purple plum and pomegranate are tinged with salt, pungent herbs, and a savory sense of meaty pan drippings, all of which combine for a forceful, invigorating, and saliva-inducing finish. This polished, ripe yet vibrant and not in the least superficially sweet cru should age well for another 2-3 years.
Rated 90/100 The Wine Advocate
2009 Potel-Aviron Fleurie Vieilles Vignes...$19.99
The Potel-Aviron 2009 Fleurie Vieilles Vignes hails from the Point du Jour – near the edge of the Moulin-a-Vent appellation – and La Madone. Tart-edged purple plum and pomegranate are tinged with salt, pungent herbs, and a savory sense of meaty pan drippings, all of which combine for a forceful, invigorating, and saliva-inducing finish. This polished, ripe yet vibrant and not in the least superficially sweet cru should age well for another 2-3 years.
Rated 90/100 The Wine Advocate
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