Once a place to rest along the pilgrims’ route of Santiago de Compostela, Château des Jacques was purchased by Maison Louis Jadot in 1996. Although the domain has, historically, always had close ties to Burgundy, the links between Beaujolais and the wider Burgundian region have not always been all that well defined, and it’s important to remember that Beaujolais has its own distinctive identity. One thing that makes Beaujolais unique is its soil, based mainly on pink granite, a crystalline bedrock formed 350 million years ago. Beaujolais also derives its uniqueness from its grape, Gamay Noir, progeny of the Pinot Noir and Gouais Blanc grapes. Variously accused of a range of “evils” and its easily caricatured fruit profile, Gamay is nevertheless the only plant that thrives on these infertile soils. The wines it creates have always been numbered among the great red wines of Burgundy.
Cherry red. Nutty aromas with hints of red fruits showing through. This very elegant wine is both powerful and incredibly long. Its great complexity allows it to partner with various delicate dishes.
James Suckling | 92 Points – “Very pretty aromas of crushed berries and spices with some shitake-mushroom undertones. Medium body, light tannins and a creamy texture. Orange-peel and berry aftertaste. Wet-earth nuances”.