Ken Gargett
Whether wine lovers have been forced to look to Beaujolais thanks to the stratospheric prices achieved in neighbouring Burgundy, or whether it is because the locals have got their act together in recent years and are now producing the sort of wines that are really impressing, it hardly matters. Perhaps a touch of both, but certainly a fair bit of the latter. Beaujolais Villages is not top of the tree but that allows this to sit very much amongst the value buys around at the moment. An earthy maroon colour, the nose gives us notes of florals, cherries, wild raspberries and an array of red fruits. Very much an attractive if slightly earthy drinking style, chilling it young would not go astray. There is a touch of grip and a surprisingly long finish. Well crafted, this is ideal summer drinking for those who want a good red without too much heaviness. Enjoy it over the next three to four years. Points: 92/100