2019 Jean Foillard Morgon Cote du Py

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 most reserved wine in the range is the 2019 Morgon Côte du Py, a terrific effort that unwinds in the glass with notes of sweet berry fruit, peonies, loamy soil and sweet spices. Medium to full-bodied, deep and concentrated, with ultra-fine tannins and lively acids, it's sapid and mouthwatering. Stylistically, this sits somewhere between the richer, riper register of 2018 and 2017 and the fragrant classicism of 2016. As ever, it's one of the most dependably delicious purchases to be made in the region. Drink 2021 - 2035.
94+ points
William Kelley - Wine Advocate (Aug 2021)

Deep, shimmering violet. Powerful, spice-tinged red and blue fruit preserve and floral pastille aromas are complemented by suggestions of musky earth and licorice. Alluringly sweet and seamless in the mouth, offering sappy, mineral-driven black raspberry, cherry liqueur, lavender and five-spice powder flavors that expand through the back half. Finishes extremely long and nervy, with harmonious tannins building steadily and adding solid grip to reverberating cherry and floral notes. Drink 2023 - 2033.
95 points
Josh Raynolds - Vinous

An intensely mineral expression of Beaujolais that makes a good argument for this region, matching the (well known) terroir expression of Burgundy. As pure and focused as it is concentrated with a very long finish that’s all wet stones. Great aging potential! Drink or hold.
95 points
JamesSuckling.com