2021 Jean Foillard Fleurie

Since legendary US importer Kermit Lynch dubbed them the Gang of Four in the 1980's, wine collectors the world over have been searching for the precious few bottles of Beaujolais from Jean Foillard, Marcel Lapierre, Guy Breton, and Jean-Paul Thévenet. Each of these producers were inspired by the natural wine growing and wine making methods of local hero Jules Chauvet. Their aim is to help the unique Beaujolais terroir express itself with minimal intervention, harnessing old vines farmed with organic practices, fermentation with natural yeasts, along with limited use of sulphur. Together they have raised not only the profile of the region, but demonstrated that Beaujolais is more than just 'Nouveau' and can indeed produce meaningful, complex and wonderful wines.

Along with his son Alex, Jean Foillard farms nearly fourteen hectares of vines planted mainly on the famed slopes of the Côte du Py in Morgon. As probably the most dependable of the Gang of Four, the wines of Jean Foillard are deep, structured, and complex, with a velvety lushness that makes them irresistible when young despite their aging potential. The wines are raised in older barrels sourced from top estates in Burgundy, including those from Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, with the resulting efforts perhaps showing more in common with Chambolle-Musigny than what we've come to expect from 'regular' Beaujolais.

Other Reviews....
The 2021 Fleurie comes from 3-hectares that suffered a lot of grillure in recent years and resulted in Foillard having to uproot parcels in the lieu-dit of "Champagne". This needs more encouragement on the nose compared to the Morgons. It is quite ripe considering the vintage - red cherries and crushed strawberry, hints of kirsch. The palate is medium-bodied, taut and crisp with fine tannins, brisk acidity and a touch of bitter cherry on the Morgon-like finish. Fine. Drink 2024-2035.
91 points
Neal Martin - Vinous