The Boss is Back in Town
Those familiar with us know we’ve often praised Jean-Claude Lapalu’s brilliance. Over decades, Jean-Claude has earned his place as one of the most respected winemakers in Beaujolais. Known colloquially as ‘The Boss of Brouilly,’ he’s been instrumental in restoring the region’s reputation after the Beaujolais Nouveau boom of the ’90s. Quietly confident, he consistently produces world-class wines that showcase the true potential of Gamay and the region.
Since the late ’90s, Jean-Claude has championed natural winemaking in Beaujolais, rejecting the systematic use of chemicals that stripped life of his homeland’s incredible terroir. Following organic and biodynamic practices, his wines are full of soul, energy, and focus. He also limits sulfur use, giving the wines an energy and life that’s hard to put into words but undeniable when tasted. As we’ve said before, Jean-Claude’s entire range is remarkable and essential for serious red wine lovers.
Today, we’re highlighting two of Jean-Claude’s exciting & rare gems, both falling outside the AOC designation but which are truly exceptional: the intoxicating 2022 VdF ‘Rang du Merle’ and the 2022 VdF ‘Eau Forte.’ These are must-try wines that speak for themselves.
Jean Claude Lapalu Exciting & Rare Gems from Lapalu - 6-Bottle Mixed Case
This is a special offer 6-bottle mixed case containing 3x each of the following wines from Jean-Claude Lapalu:
2022 VdF ‘Eau Forte’
Eau Forte's journey began when it was deemed "too pale" by AOC standards back in 2012. Rather than conforming to the restrictions of the AOC, Jean-Claude reclassified it as Vin de France, freeing the wine to express its unique character without compromise.
On the palate, Eau Forte showcases a light, lifted red berry energy and a smooth texture. It offers delicate flavours of red fruits, accompanied by floral notes and hints of spice. This wine possesses a fine texture, balanced acidity, and a long, spiced finish. Crafted with 100% whole bunch fruit, Eau Forte exhibits a cool and bright structure with lacy tannins. The Eau Forte is versatile, serving as an excellent chilled aperitif or a lighter style to conclude an evening.
2022 VdF ‘Rang du Merle’
Now this cannot be understated… this is NOT classic Beaujolais. This is Gamay as few will have tasted it. This highly unique cuvée should pique the interest of even the most dogged wine enthusiast, however if you are a fan of Gamay, then this is certainly not to be missed! Named ‘Le Rang du Merle’, or ‘Row of the Blackbird’, due to their tendency to be seen happily grazing on the grapes from this particular parcel come harvest time.
The grapes from the 90-year-old Gamay vines are left to raisin and over-mature for up to 5 weeks post-harvest, concentrating the flavours and resulting in a wine that is gloriously dense and rich. The nose is chock full of a beautiful range of pure and ripe confit like red and black fruits; raspberries, black cherries and plums and punctuated with some sweet cooking spices. The medium/ full bodied palate delivers on the promise of the nose and then some, with supple and smooth tannins, surrounded by a core of very dark and pure berry and cherry fruits, jams and spices and accompanied by stoney and flinty notes from the granite soils. It is intense and concentrated but the balance of tension and release, weight and levity is sublime. This is one of the finest examples of Beaujolais you will come across.
I wouldn’t hesitate pairing this with a juicy cut of red meat, a variety of creamy and cheese plates or seriously spicy dishes, something Asian and exotic. Jean-Claude believes his wines really sing when drunk at a temperature of around 15°, so make sure to store these somewhere cool. Also don’t be put off by the ‘Beaujolais’ title, this is a serious wine and can only benefit from a little decanting and time to breath.
Jean Claude Lapalu Exciting & Rare Gems from Lapalu - 2-Bottle Option
This is a 2-bottle pairing with 1x each of the following wines:
2022 VdF ‘Eau Forte’
Eau Forte's journey began when it was deemed "too pale" by AOC standards back in 2012. Rather than conforming to the restrictions of the AOC, Jean-Claude reclassified it as Vin de France, freeing the wine to express its unique character without compromise.
On the palate, Eau Forte showcases a light, lifted red berry energy and a smooth texture. It offers delicate flavours of red fruits, accompanied by floral notes and hints of spice. This wine possesses a fine texture, balanced acidity, and a long, spiced finish. Crafted with 100% whole bunch fruit, Eau Forte exhibits a cool and bright structure with lacy tannins. The Eau Forte is versatile, serving as an excellent chilled aperitif or a lighter style to conclude an evening.
2022 VdF ‘Rang du Merle’
Now this cannot be understated… this is NOT classic Beaujolais. This is Gamay as few will have tasted it. This highly unique cuvée should pique the interest of even the most dogged wine enthusiast, however if you are a fan of Gamay, then this is certainly not to be missed! Named ‘Le Rang du Merle’, or ‘Row of the Blackbird’, due to their tendency to be seen happily grazing on the grapes from this particular parcel come harvest time.
The grapes from the 90-year-old Gamay vines are left to raisin and over-mature for up to 5 weeks post-harvest, concentrating the flavours and resulting in a wine that is gloriously dense and rich. The nose is chock full of a beautiful range of pure and ripe confit like red and black fruits; raspberries, black cherries and plums and punctuated with some sweet cooking spices. The medium/ full bodied palate delivers on the promise of the nose and then some, with supple and smooth tannins, surrounded by a core of very dark and pure berry and cherry fruits, jams and spices and accompanied by stoney and flinty notes from the granite soils. It is intense and concentrated but the balance of tension and release, weight and levity is sublime. This is one of the finest examples of Beaujolais you will come across.
I wouldn’t hesitate pairing this with a juicy cut of red meat, a variety of creamy and cheese plates or seriously spicy dishes, something Asian and exotic. Jean-Claude believes his wines really sing when drunk at a temperature of around 15°, so make sure to store these somewhere cool. Also don’t be put off by the ‘Beaujolais’ title, this is a serious wine and can only benefit from a little decanting and time to breath.