Clos de la Roilette Griffe du Marquis Fleurie Gamay

Popped and poured; no formal notes. As an American who loves to drink Beaujolais, I have had a lot of experience drinking the wines of Clos de la Roilette yet this expression has eluded me. Similar to the 3.14 from Foillard, this wine is an amped up version of their “Cuvée Tardive”. In fact, the fruit for “La Griffe du Marquis” comes from the same source as “Cuvée Tardive” but it’s a selection of the very oldest vines, some around 90 years of age. Uniquely, “La Griffe du Marquis” does see some time in used barrique. This was quite tasty and while the warmth of the 2015 vintage is obvious but I get the sense there is enough structure to see this age well. Drink now and over the next 15+ years.

Closed. Showing intense violet and lavender, some bitter herbs. But without the complexity it had a year ago.

Remarkable. Light black cherry juice, a bit of tertiary funk, artichoke, resin, spice. Lithe and has lasted admirably but a touch ripe.

With lots of life ahead

Beautiful cherry and fruitwood aroma. Lipstick and liquer. Some herbs- black tea, bay, oregano. Super perfumed. Elderberry. Purple fruited with lovely prickly tannins on the finish. Absolutely has the structure to age 10+ years.

Day three and this is just so earthy and beautiful and completely vibrant. Up to 9.5. Love.

What a dud vintage. Too bad. Tasted not bad young but have aged terribly. This is bad. Nose is licorice, cherry, dirty. Palate is a hot mess. Decent cherry fruit and some good balance in the mid palate but the finish is like you took a shot. Sigh.

First time tasting this cuvee. Generally still closed and not very expressive.

Demon vintage 15 strikes again. Nose is hot and scorchy. Massive and slightly bitter in the mouth. I can tell there’s Gamay and granite there, but it’s overpowered. No Alfa Romeo. This is a dump truck.

Such a great bottle but overshadowed but some other gems that night. Opened up beautifully too.

Wow, this is compelling, Burgundian, textured and still early in its life. Adds layers where many (most?) Cru Beaujolais exists just on a pure deliciousness level. Not that this isn't purely delicious. It is. It's also more.