2009 Domaine Dupré Beaujolais "Terre Noire"

I had never heard of the Dupres before tasting [the 2007 Terre Noir] but add this name to the short-list of over-achievers in the humblest appellation of the region, although unlike others crafting appellation Beaujolais, they are based not in the South, but instead in the hills well west of Beaujeau.

This comes from 60 year old vines and a single vineyard called "Terre Noire", located on a hillside near the town of Beaujeu, in the desirable Northern portion of Beaujolais. It is a site with sandy limestone soil. The wine has dark and attractive fruit, showing the terrific vintage, and is finished with a Stelvin (screwtop) closure to preserve freshness. On the finish it shows a lovely thread of minerality and a bright fruit character. Only our direct import (and the fact that it has a stelvin capsule which could not sell in France) could make this terrific pricing available! (Keith Wollenberg, K&L Burgundy Buyer, 06/12)