If this is a raspberry, it’s a slightly dusty purple raspberry rather than the showier red type. A very peppery nose prevents intense grapiness from being cloying. Classic raspberry jam flavors come through in the mouth but, again, with an overlay of black pepper and an absence of upright, perky acidity. Though not a nouveau, still a light-styled wine: peppery spice and acidity come through more on the short finish than tannic astringency. A good balancing wine for something with equal mellowed-zip, like jalepeno-laden tomato sauce with lots of dried herbs.
WHO: Joseph Drouhin
WHAT: Gamay
WHERE: Beaujolais, France
WHEN: 2008
HOW MUCH: $15
