Fleurie 'Les Labourons', Jane Eyre, 2021
Fleurie 'Les Labourons', Jane Eyre, 2021
- 75cl
- 13.5%
- Red Still
- Gamay
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Optimal drinking window: Now - 2028
Jane observes that "a year in a barrel does amazing things". The very concentrated 2020s ("like Barossa shiraz" she quips) have softened and developed brighter perfumes and elegance, and the lighter 2021s have fleshed out, increasing in intensity and are "matier" or more substantial.
"They needed time to grow" which provides even more excitement for this tight and fragrant 2021 vintage. Jane draws the comparison with 2007, a lighter weight vintage which initially went under the radar but has aged extremely well and rather longer than was expected, now providing very fine and harmonious drinking across a number of domaines.
Currently showing primary red fruit with the oak still integrating, this wine will develop greater harmony over the next 2 years as the barrel influence softens. By 2027, expect secondary complexity to emerge with forest floor, leather, and spice joining the core fruit.
Tasting Notes
AppearanceBright ruby with garnet hints at the rim.
NoseLifted red cherry and violet perfume with underlying granite minerality. There's a touch of whole-bunch spice and rose petals that develops beautifully in the glass. The aromatics are precise rather than exuberant, suggesting real depth beneath.
PalateSilky texture carries concentrated cherry fruit with remarkable purity and focus. The granite soils show through as a mineral backbone that gives structure without heaviness. Gentle tannins provide grip whilst the acidity keeps everything fresh and lively.
FinishLong and perfumed with spice and violet lingering beautifully.
Overall impressionThis is Fleurie with real substance and ageing potential.
Food Pairings
In Beaujolais, this would be the natural partner for coq au vin made with the same wine, the silky tannins complementing the rich sauce perfectly. Local charcuterie like andouillette or boudin noir work beautifully, as does the regional favourite of pike quenelles in crayfish sauce. The wine's elegance also suits roasted chicken with herbs, while its mineral backbone can handle the earthiness of wild mushroom dishes that are popular in the region's autumn cuisine.
We think this wine would go well with
Serve at 14-16°C to preserve the delicate perfume while allowing the structure to show through. A light decant of 30 minutes will help integrate the oak, though it's not essential. Use Burgundy glasses to concentrate the aromatic intensity, and don't be afraid to let it breathe in the glass as it continues to evolve over several hours.
Les Labourons sits on the granite hillsides that define Fleurie's character, with decomposed granite providing excellent drainage and mineral complexity. The elevation and south-facing exposure create ideal conditions for Gamay, allowing the grapes to ripen fully while retaining the acidity that gives Fleurie its characteristic elegance. These granite soils contribute the mineral backbone that elevates this wine above simple fruit-driven styles.
Fleurie is the most perfumed and elegant of the Beaujolais crus, sitting between the power of Moulin-à-Vent and the delicacy of Chiroubles. The appellation covers 870 hectares of granite hillsides, producing wines that combine Gamay's natural charm with genuine ageing potential. While many Beaujolais are made for immediate drinking, the best Fleurie can develop complexity over a decade or more, making it one of France's great value propositions for cellar-worthy red wine.
The 2021 vintage in Beaujolais arrived after a genuinely challenging growing season that kept vignerons on their toes from spring onwards. Early budbreak met with devastating frosts in April, followed by a cool, damp summer that had many producers worried about ripeness and disease pressure. September delivered salvation with warm, dry conditions that allowed the Gamay to ripen properly, though yields were significantly reduced across the region due to the earlier setbacks.
What emerged from this adversity were wines with lovely freshness and aromatic intensity – the cooler conditions preserved the bright red fruit character that makes Beaujolais so irresistible, whilst the lower yields concentrated flavours beautifully. The cru Beaujolais show particular promise, displaying more structure than the sometimes exuberant 2020s, with that classic combination of juicy fruit and mineral backbone. Most 2021s are drinking wonderfully now, offering immediate pleasure whilst the crus will reward patience over the next five to eight years.
FAQs
What does this Fleurie taste like?
Elegant and perfumed with red cherry and violet, but with more substance than typical thanks to careful barrel ageing. Think silk with a backbone of granite minerality.
When should I drink this wine?
Drinking beautifully now but will reward patience. Peak drinking window is likely 2028-2035, following the pattern of other age-worthy Fleurie vintages.
What food pairs well with this wine?
Classic with roasted chicken, coq au vin, or charcuterie. The elegance works with lighter dishes while the structure can handle richer preparations with mushrooms or herbs.
How should I serve this wine?
Serve slightly cool at 14-16°C in Burgundy glasses. A brief decant helps but isn't essential - this wine evolves beautifully in the glass over several hours.
Is this worth cellaring?
Absolutely. Jane Eyre compares this vintage to 2007, which has aged far longer than expected. This has the structure and balance to develop over 10-12 years.
How does this compare to other Beaujolais?
This is Fleurie at its most serious - more structured and age-worthy than typical Beaujolais but retaining all the perfume and elegance that makes the appellation special.
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