Jean Sambardier 2017 Julienas Cru

PRODUCER INFO

• Brothers Fred and Damien Sambardier are the latest generation to run their family’s celebrated winery in Denicé. The family owns 84 acres of vines, which are divided into 50 separate vineyard sites scattered throughout the region with holdings in Fleurie, Julienas, Moulin à Vent, and Brouilly. Farming and winemaking veer toward the natural spectrum, with no additions of sulfur during winemaking. These are traditional wines and they are just loaded with flavor.

ABOUT THE WINE

• With a name evoking the famous Roman Emperor, Julius Caesar, Julienas would be the starting point of the culture of the vine that dates back to more than two thousand years.
• To the west of the appellation, the soils are of shistous origin, while in the east it is ancient alluvium with clay veins, thus making the wines suitable for keeping.
• Julienas is a vintage known for the solidity of its tannins.  This structure does not remove its certain refinement.  The wines of Julienas evoke the violet small red fruits in their youth, this ability to age well then directs to spicy aromas and vanilla.

Vintage: 2017 | Wine Type:  Red
Varietal: 100%  Gamay Noir
Origin: France | Appellation: Beaujolais
Elaboration: Manual harvesting and sorting on a vibrating sorting table.  After vatting in full harvest, so-called semi-carbonic maceration, from 10 to 12 days with 2 days of pumping over.  Aging is done on fine lees in oak for 3 to 4 months.  No breeding is done.
Winemaker: Jean and Frederic Sambardier

TASTING NOTES

Very beautiful ruby color, subtle aromas of peonies, violet and cinnamon.  Very ample with nice fruity attack in the mouth, a wine that will bloom after a few years of cellars.

TECHNICAL DATA

Production: 800 cases | Alcohol: 13% | TA: 3.43 g/l | RS: <1 g/l | pH: 3.35

PRESS & POINTS

2018 – 90 Points, Wine & Spirits Magazine
2016 – 90 Points, “Solid”, “Powerful” WineX