2021 Clos de la Roilette Fleurie "Cuvée Tardive"

Fans of old-school Beaujolais will adore the 2021 Fleurie Cuvée Tardive from the Clos de la Roilette. Bursting with aromas of crunchy red berries, peonies, spices and plums, it's medium-bodied, ample and enveloping, with succulent acids, melting tannins and a pretty, perfumed finish. Despite the challenges of the year, the Coudert family have produced a lovely classic, and it's a wine that's much more drinkable and vibrant than some of the recent banner vintages at this address. The Coudert family were indisposed when I made by annual tour of the Beaujolais this spring, but I made a point of catching up with their 2021s as soon as I could find them in bottle. They've turned out very nicely, and this year's Cuvée Tardive will be worth a special effort to seek out. (WK)