Solid Beaujolais For Any Day

The world is awaiting the release of Beaujolais Nouveau, but there's cracking good Beaujolais of all sorts and deeper dimensions ready on your retail shelf now. Here are just a few examples, and each is well worth the few extra bucks. Santé!

Daniel Bouland 2013 Beaujolais Morgon Vieilles Vignes 13%
Broad-shouldered and seemingly full-bodied for a 13% abv Beaujolais, this wine isn’t shy with its substance. Black plums, boysenberries and red currants dance across the highly youthful palate. The tannins are light and laid-back, and the acidity is integrated. Layered with complexity, this is worth decanting. 89

Clos de la Roilette 2014 Beaujolais Fleurie 13%
Fun and lifting floral top-notes lead into a gamey and funky mid-palate. Easy-going tannins and juicy fruit flavors make this super-accessible, especially given its kind price point. Give it a decent chill and it’s even more sippable. Blackberries, boysenberries and plums dominate every angle. 87

Château de Lacarelle 2014 Beaujolais-Villages Comte Durieu de Lacarelle 12.5%
Deep ruby in color, this wine has a richly cherry fruited nose, hints of scrub bush and lavender top notes. The palate is modest in weight with caressing tannins and mouthwatering acidity. This is sure to be a crowd-pleaser, even if its blueberry-flavored finish is quick. This wine has energy and joyful exuberance. 89 

Domaine de Botheland (Laurence et Rémi Dufaitre) 2013 Beaujolais-Villages 12%
A bit stinky on opening, this needs a good 30 minutes to unfold into a floral and delicate wine. Pale ruby red in color, this wine shows masses of red cherries and red currants and a hint of balsamic. Vaugue sweet spice hints are followed by whiffs of fallen branches. There’s an impressive lightness to the palate with seamless tannins, lilting acidity and modest alcohol. 88