Domaine Berrod Chiroubles 2010 (750ML)

This is a Cru Beaujolais from Domaine Berrod and the village of Chiroubles, which has the highest elevation of all the Beaujolais villages. The 100% Gamay vines are on average 40+ years old, and grow in very poor (meaning good) granitic soils. The resulting wine is light-bodied and racy (in the lively and spirited sense!), not unlike proprietor Guillaume Ruet, who happens to be a competitive cyclist that understands well the steep granite terrain where he both trains and produces wine. 2010 was one of the best vintages in the history of Beaujolais, and this is an earthy yet elegant, summertime red that could even be served slightly on the chilled side. - Burton Bradley