Château des Jacques, Moulin-à-Vent (Beaujolais, Burgundy, France) 2009

This wine redefines Beaujolais. Anyone who ever doubted that Beaujolais could be a truly grand wine needs to try it. The Clos de Grand Carquelin is one of the five distinct and non-contiguous parcels that comprises the Chateau des Jacques estate. Maison Louis Jadot, one of Burgundy’s leading producers, purchased the Château des Jacques in 1996 and opted to use Burgundian–not traditional Beaujolais–winemaking techniques of destemming, long fermentation and wood aging. The wine opens with haunting floral aromas followed by a minerality that reflects the granite soil of the clos. Glossy tannins add structure and balance its substantial weight and spicy notes. Uncanny elegance and length makes you recheck the label because it’s hard to believe this is Beaujolais.