Château Thivin - Cuvée Zaccharie 2016 (Magnum)

Bettane & Desseauve

About the estate:

Château Thivin has embarked on a renovation of its vineyard, with a focus on soil management. As part of its transition to organic farming, trellising on the steepest plots—such as La Chapelle—is now the standard practice. The range is extensive: fruit-forward whites and reds, as well as Côte de Brouilly wines (Sept Vignes, Griottes de Brulhié). The magnificent trio of Godefroy, Chapelle, and Zaccharie particularly impressed and moved us this year. A must-visit for wine lovers and a source of truly great wines.

Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

About the wine:

The Côte de Brouilly Cuvée Zaccharie unfolds in the glass with aromas of crushed blackcurrant, plum, and spices, enveloped by fairly pronounced new oak that, to me, is almost distracting. On the palate, the wine is medium-bodied, spicy, and has a firmer structure, clearly marked by the tannins from the oak acquired during aging. It needs 2 or 3 years in the bottle to show its best.

About the estate:

This historic estate remains a benchmark for classic, age-worthy Beaujolais, and the 2019 vintage is a fine success. As I wrote last year, the Geoffrays have banned herbicides and insecticides from their vineyards and are among the most conscientious growers in the appellation, working toward organic certification. In the cellar, winemaking is traditional, with semi-carbonic maceration and aging generally in large oak casks—though some small cuvées see a bit of new oak. A staple of France’s finest restaurants—and this writer’s table—all readers unfamiliar with these wines are strongly encouraged to seek them out. This year, the Brouilly Reverdon deserves a special mention, as it is particularly successful.

RVF - La Revue du Vin de France / Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France