JULIEN SUNIER RISING STAR IN BEAUJOLAIS

We met Julien Sunier during the harvest of 2003. He was running Domaine Montrenot in Beaujolais, practically by himself. In 2006 he and his former girlfriend opened a restaurant with many products sourced from their hilltop farm. After a breakup he returned to winemaking in 2008. He has 2 vineyards under lease and we are trying to get his wines into New Jersey. 2008 was a very tough year for an innaugural vintage. Weather problems reduced the yields and made it a very labor intensive harvest. We will update during this harvest for 2009. I was drinking one of my last bottles of his Domaine Montrenot Morgon 2005 and thinking what an incredible wine for under $20. a bottle. Gamay is the red grape of Beaujolais, not Pinot Noir, but in strong vintages like 2005 and 2006 makes very age worthy wines. The northern villages of Beaujolais, Moulin A Vent, Morgon, Brouilly and Julienas are all capable of making wines to lay down, but also they can be appreciated while young. Julien and I had dinner at Auberge Paradis and with a Quail done with Asian Spices had a 2005 Morgon from one of his friends. An absolutely great choice. We hope to host Julien for a visit in 2010 and will feature his wines soon.