$52.00 inc. GST
The third vintage of Wild Soul is the first to be made exclusively from grapes grown in Lantignié, a commune renowned for its concentrated, age-worthy Beaujolais-Villages. It’s marginally fuller-bodied than its predecessors, but with the same explosive aromatics, fresh acidity and sheer buvabilité. Conceived for early-drinking, Wild Soul has no S02 added, but is bottled with a higher level of CO2 than Julien’s cru wines – this protects the wine (in the absence of SO2) and contributes a very subtle, energising spritz to the attack.
Vineyard: Due to large crop losses in 2016, Julien Sunier founded a small negoce project and went in search of fruit for Wild Soul. This Vin de France is a blend of Gamay from Beaujolais Villages and Regnie Cru.
Orientation: Multiple parcels, varied exposure.
Soil: Granitic soils
Vinification: Semi-carbonic maceration in berglass tank; no sulfur in vinification.
Ageing: Ageing on the fine lees in 3000L concrete egg (no oxygen exposure); 10 mg of SO2 before bottling.
Produced from vines that are two years into organic conversion and matured in foudre, Sunier’s 2018 Beaujolais-Lantignié Wild Soul bursts with aromas of raspberries, grilled meats, licorice and rich soil tones. On the palate, it’s medium to full-bodied, satiny and layered, with powdery tannins, lively acids and a flavorful finish. Sunier tells me he’s looking for juicy grapes for this cuvée, seeking suppleness to contrast with his more concentrated, structured cru Beaujolais bottlings. 90 Points – William Kelly, The Wine Advocate
“Light, vivid magenta. Vibrant red berry and floral scents are complicated by suggestions of game and smoky minerals. Juicy and taut on the palate, offering bitter cherry and redcurrant flavors that unfurl slowly on the back half. Closes on a tangy red berry note, with firming acidity driving a long, sharply delineated and subtly tannic finish.No excess fat here, that’s for sure – drink it now, for its energy” -Josh Raynolds 90