2021 Chateau Thivin Cote de Brouilly 'Cuvee Godefroy'
Region: Beaujolais, Burgundy, France
Grape: Gamay
Culinary Suggestions: Quality Steak, Chinese Cuisine, Roast Duck
Vineyard Practice: Organic
About
Vineyards have been planted on Mont Brouilly since Roman times and ever since then, vines have never left this isolated hill in the heart of Beaujolais.
In 1383, the original portion of Château Thivin's cellars was constructed, making it the oldest estate in Côte de Brouilly and one of the most highly regarded producers in the region.
On 8th June 1877, Zaccharie and Marguerite Geoffray bought Château Thivin and its two hectares of vineyards surrounding the estate. Today, the 5th and 6th generations of the Geoffray family are the current custodians, with each succeeding generation contributing new plots of land to build up the estate.
Their vineyards are farmed organically, consisting of mainly old vine gamay situated on the predominantly southern slopes of Mont Brouilly, a small extinct volcano. Thanks to the combination of old vines, exceptional sites, and tireless dedication in the vineyards, the yield is modest but consists of perfectly ripened small bunches.
During harvest, the bunches are carefully placed into small crates to avoid damage before being tipped into sealed vats filled with complete bunches. The simple process continues as the vats are left undisturbed for 7-10 days. Any fermenting wine resulting from the weight of the bunches pressing down is drained out, and the remaining whole bunches are pressed. The young wine is then aged in large old barrels for 6-12 months before bottling. Such a basic process yields spectacular results in the bottle.
Godefroy comes from a tiny plot of 80-100 year old vines facing east on the lowest slopes on Brouilly hill.
Tasting Notes
A powerful, muscular Côte de Brouilly with a fine bouquet of black berries, peony, and a touch of pepper, strong and full on the palate with imposing, full-bodied tannins and a spicy finish. This is a wine with very good keeping potential for 10 or more years. - Winery Note
A fascinating, expressive nose with plenty of savory and smoky character alongside the wild strawberry and sour cherry fruit. Excellent concentration is packed into the medium-bodied palate, the contours of which are sharply defined thanks to the interlocking mineral acidity and fine tannins. Very long finish that's still quite tight. From a small parcel with vines over 100-years-old. Drinkable now, but best from 2024.
94 points - jamessuckling.com March 2023
From ancient vines, the 2021 Côte de Brouilly Godefroy reveals aromas of sweet berries, cherries, vine smoke, peony and forest floor. Medium to full-bodied, ample and racy, with a fleshy core of fruit girdled by tangy acids, it concludes with a long, saline finish.
92+ points - William Kelley, Wine Advocate August 2022
Drink: 2021 - 2033