Château Thivin, Côte de Brouilly (Beaujolais, Burgundy, France) 2015

 The wines from Côte de Brouilly, one of top-tier of the ten cru of Beaujolais, are not to be confused with those from Brouilly, another cru, but whose wines have less consistent quality.  Although Château Thivin, one of the region’s best producers, makes a range of wines from Côte de Brouilly depending on the position of the vines on the slope, this one is a blend from several sites.  In a word, it’s marvelous.  Stoney and firm, without being hard, it delivers bright red fruit flavors and has beautiful balance without a trace of over-ripeness.  Great acidity keeps it fresh and lively.