Staff Notes:
“The 2021 Morgon Côte du Py, matured in used barrels, has a more complex bouquet than the Corcelette: a melange of red and black fruit, potpourri/lavender, and a faint hint of curry leaf that emerges with time. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins and a fine backbone considering the growing season. This is very fresh and saline with quite a strict finish. You could attempt this now though I would be intrigued to age this for another two or three years before broaching. One of the original ‘Gang of Four’ disciples, Foillard is rightly esteemed as one of the leading Beaujolais producers, which is not reflected in market prices. Few wines represent better value than this. I have visited the Domaine several times over the years. On this occasion, I met with Fanny Bellenger, who works with Jean’s son Alex Foillard, to taste recent releases and take a quick tour of the winery. Unfortunately, due to the growing season in 2021, volumes are down 30%. The two 2020s I tasted from Alex Foillard are promising, especially the Brouilly that, when juxtaposing the two appellations, has more harmony and complexity than the Côte de Brouilly. The standout from Jean Foillard is the Morgon Côte du Py, though readers should not overlook the Fleurie despite the vines suffering grillure in recent years.” 93 Neal Martin, Vinous.com, Mar 2023