Nick Dobson Wines Chénas

Chénas The Chénas appellation, created in 1936, lies adjacent to the Moulin-à-Vent, and, like Moulin, is one of the more full-bodied Beaujolais Crus and also like a Moulin will age well. The name is taken from the oak (chêne) forests which covered the rolling hillsides here at the dawn of the Christian era; today these have long since been replaced with a sea of vines, however the odd cluster of oaks remains. A typical Chénas is a generously perfumed wine, with strong floral and fruity aromas, dark in colour, velvety in texture, with a hint of spice and with a long finish. Chénas wines can be enjoyed young, but there is absolutely no hurry as they also benefit from aging, typically a good 5 years. Chénas is also the smallest appellation, with only some 257 hectares under vines, and this means prices are a bit higher than the average Cru. Not a great deal of Chénas wine is seen in the UK, however we are pleased to offer a selection of splendid examples of these classy wines, from excellent producers known to us for many years, and also a mixed case.

Chénas 2005 Domaine Champagnon
Ref: 3332080

*£

This classic Chénas is Domaine Champagnon's flagship wine, and is a truly excellent example. With aromas of blackcurrant, violets, and cherry brandy, this superb well-rounded wine is substantial and mouth-filling. Drink now around 17-18°C or lay down for a while - can be kept 5+ years. At it's best after 3-4 years in bottle. See also the Domaine Champagnon Moulin-à-Vent.

Price: £9.95 (Including VAT at 17.5%)

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Chénas 2007 Domaine Champagnon
Ref: 3332124

*£

Chénas 2007 Domaine Bernard Santé
Ref: 3332102

Bernard Santé and his family produce a range of Beaujolais Crus at their Domaine near to La Chapelle de Guinchay. They are dedicated professionals and this is evidenced not only by the many accolades they have received, but primarily by the quality of their wines, not least their charming traditional Chénas, made from grapes hand-picked from vines grown on 5 hectares of granitic soils formed by the decomposition of eruptive rock. This is a powerful, complex, well structured wine with a splendid ruby red colour with granite tints, and aromas of red fruits (blackberry, strawberry). In the mouth it has masses of fruit, and is smooth and supple. Serve this Chénas around 13°-16° with chicken or other white meats, roasts, kid, and cheeses. See also the Bernard Santé Juliénas and Moulin-à-Vent.

Price: £11.50 (Including VAT at 17.5%)

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Chénas 2009 Domaine de la Croix Barraud Franck Bessone
Ref: 3332149

This 8 hA Domaine run by Franck Bessone, son-in-law of Gino Bertolla of Domaine du Granit, has vines aged on average 40 years. Franck is the 3rd generation of his family to run this property.

A deep red, with a fruity nose with a mineral note. Full bodied, flavoursome wine with intense red berry fruit, fine silky tannins, and some mineral flavours. Good length. A splendid example of a Chénas which is already approachable but which will undoubtedly benefit from further time in bottle. Keeps 5+ years. Try with red meats and game.

Price: £11.75 (Including VAT at 17.5%)

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Chénas Vieilles Vignes 2006 Domaine de la Croix Barraud Franck Bessone
Ref: 3332116

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This 8 hA Domaine run by Franck Bessone, son-in-law of Gino Bertolla of Domaine du Granit, has vines aged on average 40 years. Franck is the 3rd generation of his family to run this property.

This is seriously good stuff and I'm pleased to have been able to acquire a small parcel to list. A deep red, with a fruity nose with mineral and vanilla notes. Full bodied, gutsy flavoursome wine with cooked red fruit and mineral flavours. Good length. A splendid example of a Chénas which is very approachable now but which can also be laid down for a few years. Try with red meats and game.

Price: £12.20 (Including VAT at 17.5%)

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Chénas Vieilles Vignes 2006 Domaine de la Croix Barraud Franck Bessone