Manoir du Carra Beaujolais Cru Julienas 2016

The 2005 vintage was the Sambardier family's first release of the Juliénas, the oldest Cru of Beaujolais, that was named for the famous Roman Emperor Julius Caesar.
The vineyards are located in the lieu-dit "En bottiere" on granite and schist soil types.

Young and dynamic winemaker Frederic Sambardier only produces 4,800 bottles or 400 cases (12/750ml) from 0.8 hectare (1.97 acre). The vines average over 50 years old.  Skin maceration during fermentation for 10-12 days. Finally, the wine has had 4 months of aging in foudre (large barrel). Egg white fined, the wine is bottled unfiltered.
Imported - 150 cases 6/750 ml

Tasting notes: Beautiful ruby red color. Pleasing and graceful, this full-bodied Juliénas displays spices and ripe red and black fruit aromas (red currant, blackberry). This well balanced wine shows soft tannins and a long lasting finish. Excellent now, it will show even better after a few years of cellaring.
This is a perfect match with game, poultries, white meats and cheeses or even by itself as an aperitif.

Review:

"Vivid ruby. Aromas of fresh dark berries, licorice, violet and smoky minerals, with a hint of earthiness in the background. Offers appealingly sweet boysenberry and cherry flavors that deepen and pick up a spicy nuance on the back half. Finishes very long and smooth, with rounded tannins adding gentle grip. - Josh Raynolds"
- Antonio Galloni's Vinous (March 2018), 91 pts