Pascal Aufranc, Vignes de 1939 Chénas 2014, Beaujolais, France

Tasting Note: A Chénas Cru Beaujolais that speaks to elegance, concentration and body in a positive way that shows that the Beaujolais region is capable of producing serious wines.

Deep-intensity purple in color, this wine has a medium-plus-intensity, aromatic nose of violet, blossom, kirsch and raspberry in a way this is reminiscent of Northern Rhone syrah.

On the palate the dry, medium-plus-bodied Chénas Beaujolais is smooth in texture with concentrated black fruit showing on the mid-to-back palate with slightly-grippy, ripe, medium-plus tannin.

Bottle Note: Pascal Aufranc’s domaine is an ancient farm covering 3.7 acres in Chenas, Cru du Beaujolais. Surrounded by trees, fields and stone walls, the 70-year old gamay vines thrive on sandy granite soils, with biodiversity protection a priority. Aged for 8 months in vats, the final wine shows a lovely blue linge, with black fruit and spices on the nose. The mouth if full and wonderfully balanced, with a silky tannins bringing great personality to the finish. A start of the vintage. Enjoy with red meats in mushroom sauces and a variety of cheeses.