Wine of the Week: Julienas, Georges Duboeuf, 2005

By CHRIS SHERMAN
Published June 13, 2007

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Wine of the Week

Julienas, Georges Duboeuf, 2005

Life can be a bowl of black cherries, or at least a bottle in the right time and place, and Beaujolais is always a good place to start.

Of course 2005 was a great time in France, great in heat and ripeness as was foretold by the best Beaujolais nouveau in years. And as is the case every year, the best Beaujolais comes to those who wait for non-nouveau, the wine that needs a year or more before drinking. And the best of the best Beaujolais proudly wear the name of their home village, of which Julienas is the queen.

Gamay grapes of Beaujolais are more than poor neighbors to Burgundy's pinot noir; they are big stuff here, dark rich and full bodied. The flavor is jammy with strawberries, raspberries and darker cherries and plums. Easy on the mouth.

The finish lingers; so do memories of bargain 2005s and Beaujolais at its best.

Availability: $10 to $12 at many wine and liquor stores.