Review: 2004 Louis Jadot Beaujolais-Villages Blanc Chateau des Jacques
That’s right: White Beaujolais. It exists, though you may go your entire life without seeing a bottle of it in the flesh.
Beaujolais Blanc is Chardonnay, vaguely in the style of White Burgundy, with no aging in oak at all. This is miles away from California Chardonnay, and though Louis Jadot’s 2004 Beaujolais-Villages Blanc Chateau des Jacques is now a whopping four years old (positively geriatric in the world of Chardonnay), it tastes remarkably vibrant and young today.
The palate is quite unique, with aromatics and peach/apricot flavors more reminiscent of Viognier than Chardonnay, but with that apple-like core intact. Without any wood to get in the way, the pure essence of the fruit comes through. This is an easy-drinking and very pleasurable wine. At just $17 or so a bottle, snap it up if you ever see it — and if you do, consider yourself very lucky.
A- / $17 / louisjadot.com
2004 Louis Jadot Beaujolais-Villages Blanc Chateau des Jacques
$17
