2021 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 2021 Morgon Côte du Py, matured in used barrels, has a more complex bouquet than the Corcelette: a melange of red and black fruit, potpourri/lavender, and a faint hint of curry leaf that emerges with time. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins and a fine backbone considering the growing season. This is very fresh and saline with quite a strict finish. You could attempt this now though I would be intrigued to age this for another two or three years before broaching. Drink 2025-2038.
93 points
Neal Martin - Vinous