Tasting Highlights' wine reviews are fresh out of the tasting room, offering a sneak peek of our editors' most recent scores and notes to WineSpectator.com members.
Centuries ago, Gamay production was moved south from Burgundy to the Beaujolais region. Since then, Gamay has grown deep roots in Beaujolais, and the region now has 10 subappellations called crus that make wines with their own distinct character. Today's cuvées come from six different crus in diverse styles, showing a range of spice and ripe fruit flavors. As it turns out, one grape from a single region in France can have something for everyone.
DOMAINE BLAIN Côte de Brouilly Les Jumeaux 2016
WS review: Shows elegance and purity to the cherry and currant notes, flanked by mineral, Earl Grey tea, licorice and forest floor aromas in this light-bodied red. Savory spice, wood spice and pomegranate details echo on the long, lightly tannic finish. Drink now through 2023. 242 cases imported.
Why it's of note: Côte de Brouilly is among Beaujolais' smallest appellations, and makes wines that are structured but elegant. This aromatic red from siblings Lucie and Marc-Antonin Blain is made partly from 50-year-old vines; the domaine's vineyards are planted on the slopes of the inactive Mont Brouilly volcano.
LOUIS JADOT Morgon Château des Jacques 2016
WS review: Fresh and concentrated, with a supple profile boasting cherry compote, raspberry-infused tea and marjoram notes that are seamless and charming. Undertones of violet, mocha and mineral gain traction on the long finish. Drink now through 2024. 275 cases imported.
Why it's of note: Reputable grower-négociant Louis Jadot is better known for its Burgundy bottlings, but the wine company makes reds in Beaujolais too: They've owned the Château des Jacques property for 18 years. This bottling is powerful and ageworthy, emulating the style Morgon is known for. Cured boar sausage would make a great food pairing.
DOMAINE LABRUYÈRE Moulin-à-Vent Coeur de Terroirs Vieilles Vignes 2016
WS review: Light-bodied but richly layered, this plump red sports notes of cherry preserves and raspberry compote that are interwoven with mocha, licorice and floral accents. Hints of tea, mineral and dried orange peel linger on the finish. Drink now through 2023. 70 cases imported.
Why it's of note: Like Morgon, the Moulin-à-Vent cru is known for its rich, structured reds. Domaine Labruyère is one of the appellation's oldest wineries, and practices sustainable farming. The lush Coeur de Terroirs is made from the estate's most valued vineyards.
STÉPHANE AVIRON Chénas Vieilles Vignes 2016
WS review: Aromas of rose petal and cinnamon intertwine with the cherry, peach and currant flavors in this elegant, light-bodied red. Integrated tannins support the tea, plum and spice details on the finish. Drink now through 2023. 300 cases imported.
Why it's of note: This light-bodied version from Stéphane Aviron has a floral character that is a notable trait of Chénas reds. Aviron farms sustainably, employing some biodynamic practices, and sources from old vines—the one that made this Chénas Vieilles Vignes bottling average 100 years of age.
JOSEPH BURRIER Fleurie Château de Beauregard Poncié 2016
WS review: Savory undertones of grilled thyme, fresh earth and smoky mineral flank the steeped cherry and raspberry fruit flavors of this sleek, light-bodied red. Details of fresh leather, licorice and savory spice echo on the lightly tannic finish. Drink now through 2023. 430 cases imported.
Why it's of note: While some Beaujolais is packed with fresh, ripe fruit, this example from Joseph Burrier focuses more on savory and spice details. It hails from the Poncié sector of the Fleurie appellation. For an outside-the-box food pairing, think Peking duck.
GEORGES DUBOEUF Juliénas Château des Poupets 2017
WS review: A fresh and easy sipper, with raspberry and cherry fruit flavors marked by licorice and spice accents. Offers plush, light tannins. Drink now through 2021. 110 cases imported.
Why it's of note: Georges Duboeuf is Beaujolais' largest producer and négociant. Its name is inextricably linked with the region—Duboeuf is responsible for the wild popularity of Beaujolais Nouveau. The family also works with estate vineyards and those of regional growers from the cru appellations. This quaffable Juliénas comes from a 7-acre vineyard owned by the Jorcin family. Stock up on it for a year-round sipper.