Chateau Thivin Brouilly Reverdon – 2019

From 40 year old vines grown on the unique pink granite slopes of Brouilly, this has lovely density of dark cherry fruit, silky tannins and some meaty structure. Very good Gamay from a wonderfully traditional, family-owned chateau since 1877.

“The 2019 Brouilly Reverdon has turned out especially well this year, bursting from the glass with notes of peonies and rose petals mingled with wild berries and orange rind. Medium to full-bodied, satiny and vibrant, it’s melting and perfumed, with exquisitely refined tannins and a long, aromatic finish. This is as good a Brouilly as I can ever remember tasting from Château Thivin. This historic estate continues to rank among the reference points for classical, age-worthy cru Beaujolais, and the 2019 vintage is a great success here. As I wrote last year, the Geoffrays have banished herbicides and insecticides from their vineyards and number among the appellation’s most conscientious farmers, working toward organic certification. In the cellar, winemaking is traditional, with semi-carbonic maceration and élevage generally in foudre—though some small cuvées see a little new wood. A staple of France’s best restaurants—and this writer’s table—any readers who are not acquainted with these wines are warmly advised to seek them out. This year, the Brouilly Reverdon mentions special notice, as it has turned out particularly well.” 93/100 pts The Wine Advocate