The 2009 Georges Duboeuf Chateau des Capitans Julienas 100% Gamay sourced from the Cru Beaujolais Julienas AOC. Where a usual Cru Beaujolais can be sourced from an area that is 3,000 to 4,000 acres, the Chateau des Capitans Julienas is sourced from a single old vine Estate vineyard that is 17 acres in size. This Gamay is aged for a time in French oak barrels. The Chateau des Capitans Julienas is Beaujolais with all the bells and whistles and still should sell for $17. The alcohol content is 14%.
The color is dark cherry red with black highlights and a pink halo. This is a deep, intense nose, blackberry, plum, green tea and a light touch of herbs. It starts with cassis and strawberry, followed by peach, blueberry and fudge. The mid-palate brings tart cherry and a slight bite from the tannins. The finish is large and long.
I used to think that Beaujolais was nothing more than French Kool Aide, watery grape juice, boy was I wrong, the Georges Duboeuf Chateau des Julienas is a full flavored, complex wine. This is a Beaujolais that can stand up to a nice juicy steak cooked on the grill, but drinks great on its own.
