The wines of Jean-Claude Lapalu, Brouilly
Naturally made Beaujolais from old vines

Jean-Claude Lapalu began his domaine in 1996. Previously, his family had been grape growers selling to the cooperative. He made his first commercial wines in 2000. Altogether, he has 12 hectares of vines in Saint-Etienne-la-Varenne, Brouilly, most of which are old (60–80 years), and which are farmed organically. Lapalu is working biodynamically, but is not yet certified.

Winemaking is natural, in that no sulfur dioxide is used until the bottling stage. These are truly remarkable expressions of Beaujolais.

THE WINES

Jean-Claude Lapalu Beaujolais Villages Vieilles Vignes 2010
Really elegant bright, pure, focused cherry fruit. Bright flavours and lovely fruit expression. 91/100

Jean-Claude Lapalu Brouilly Vieilles Vignes 2010
Pure, open and elegant fresh bright cherry fruit nose. Sweet and slightly mineral. The palate shows lovely fresh focused cherry fruit. So pure and well defined. 93/100

Jean-Claude Lapalu Brouilly Croix des Rameaux 2010
Cask sample. Lovely texture to the ripe fruits here. Elegant and generous with some mineral notes. Real depth and elegance to the cherry fruit, which is backed by good structure. 94/100

Jean-Claude Lapalu Croix des Rameaux 2009
Elegant and aromatic with lovely cherry fruit. The palate is dense, generous and spicy with broad flavours. Nice weight and elegance with cherry fruit and some spicy seriousness. 94/100

Wines tasted 09/11  
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