Sebastien Besson Julienas 2019 (750 ml)

The Juliénas comes from a small parcel of estate fruit within this esteemed northern Cru. All bush vine Gamay that is hand harvested when the balance between sugar and acidity is perfect, the grapes are brought to the cellar for an evening in a cold room in order to retain some phenolic and aromatic character. Whole cluster fermentation begins naturally after the grapes are placed into both concrete and stainless steel vats for 17 days before a gentle pressing. The wine is then placed back into the same vessels to finish fermentation and rests in concrete for close to six months, and sees a small dose of sulfites before it is bottled. The aromas are explosive with mountain blueberry, ripe red cherry, the crust of a mixed berry pie, clove, orange zest, and fresh cut flowers. In the mouth the fruit hits with brightness, yet has a bit of density behind it to fill the palate from front to back, all to be lifted again in a finish of lively acidity, soft tannin, and lingering red fruit.

There is a very exciting renaissance that has been happening in the Beaujolais region of France, and at its core is a new generation of winemakers that have learned everything they know from their progenitors. To pair with that unparalleled guidance, there is a youthful energy and worldly view that is taking the wines and the region to yet again new heights. Sébastien Besson is now the fourth generation of the family to take the helm at Domaine du Penlois, which originated in the 1920's by his great-grandfather Benoît, situated on the small hill called Lancié (nestled in between Morgon, Fleuri, and Moulin-à-Vent). Sébastien's father, Maxence, took over in 1977 and accrued more and more Cru vineyards in the region, giving the Domaine 30 hectares in total. While making sustainably farmed Domaine wines with his father, Sébastien began an eponymous project in 2016. He converted small granite-rich plots on the property to strict organic farming, spanning not only portions of their Village Appellation sites, but parcels of three Crus as well (a total of 7 hectares). With natural fermentations and aging in concrete vats, and a small sulfur addition before bottling, the wines of Sébasten Besson are pure, driven, and remarkable expressions of top Beaujolais. 

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