2019 Jean Foillard Morgon Corcelette

Since legendary US importer Kermit Lynch dubbed them the Gang of Four in the 1980's, wine collectors the world over have been searching for the precious few bottles of Beaujolais from Jean Foillard, Marcel Lapierre, Guy Breton, and Jean-Paul Thévenet. Each of these producers were inspired by the natural wine growing and wine making methods of local hero Jules Chauvet. Their aim is to help the unique Beaujolais terroir express itself with minimal intervention, harnessing old vines farmed with organic practices, fermentation with natural yeasts, along with limited use of sulphur. Together they have raised not only the profile of the region, but demonstrated that Beaujolais is more than just 'Nouveau' and can indeed produce meaningful, complex and wonderful wines.

Along with his son Alex, Jean Foillard farms nearly fourteen hectares of vines planted mainly on the famed slopes of the Côte du Py in Morgon. As probably the most dependable of the Gang of Four, the wines of Jean Foillard are deep, structured, and complex, with a velvety lushness that makes them irresistible when young despite their aging potential. The wines are raised in older barrels sourced from top estates in Burgundy, including those from Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, with the resulting efforts perhaps showing more in common with Chambolle-Musigny than what we've come to expect from 'regular' Beaujolais.

Other Reviews....
The 2019 Morgon Corcelette is perfumed and expressive, bursting with aromas of plums, raspberries, violets, smoke and sweet soil tones. Medium to full-bodied, ample and enveloping, with melting tannins, lively acids and an expansive finish, it's fresh, vibrant and full of charm. Drink 2021 - 2033.
93 points
William Kelley - Wine Advocate (Aug 2021)

Saturated magenta. Expressive aromas of red and dark fruit preserves, star anise and potpourri pick up a smoky mineral topnote with air. Juicy and energetic in the mouth, offering concentrated raspberry and cherry liqueur, fruitcake and floral pastille flavors supported by a core of smoky minerality. At once powerful and lithe, finishing on a gently tannic note with superb, floral- and mineral-driven tenacity. Drink 2024 - 2034.
94 points
Josh Raynolds - Vinous

Deep and earthy, but also with great cherry and violet aromas that pull you into orbit around this elegant beauty. Long, racy and mineral finish with just a hint of funk (from reduction). Excellent aging potential. Drink or hold.
93 points
JamesSuckling.com