2003 Domaine des Fortières Beaujolais-Villages

84. This Beaujolais doesn't show the characteristics of a super-hot, ripe year like 2003. Hard cherry/plum candy and mineral nose. Not as ripe and plush as I would expect from a 2003. Firm texture, like a typical Chateau Thivin Côte de Brouilly, but without the refinement or depth of that wine. In other words, eh. Also, it oxidized very fast (within 48 hours) for a wine under a Vacu-Vin vacuum seal. That would indicate to me that this wine needs to be drunk up and fast.

Doesn't measure up to the standards set by the DeBoeuf Regnié or Pierre Chermette Beaujolais reviewed earlier. About $9 at Spec's Warehouse on Smith.