Beaujolais’ return to its traditional roots can be traced to the 1980s. Yet, for the previous century, the Geoffray family of Château Thivin had been unwavering in their commitment to traditional viticulture and winemaking. 

Their 2015 Château Thivin Côte de Brouilly Les Sept Vignes—from a vintage whose power and richness recalls years like 1947 and 2009—tells you why the domaine has for so long been an elite address for vin de garde Beaujolais.

With 2018 the current Ch. Thivin vintage in U.S. wine shops, the 2015 is of course now nearly unobtainable in the United States. But we are pleased to offer our small stock, purchased on release, of bottles, mags and half bottles. Prices are compelling.

Back Story

John Gilman—who knew the skinny in Beaujolais long before most—has described Ch. Thivin as “one of the most important historic domaines in all of Beaujolais.” While others were turning to “factory farming” after World War II, the Geoffrays continued to produce highly traditional wines from their steep, blue volcanic slopes. In their longevity, the Geoffrays' wines have always rivaled anything made in Morgon and Moulin-à-Vent.

n 2015, the Geoffrays, through their long experience and finely-honed skill, made the most of a heroic vintage. Thivin’s organically tended Gamay vines average 50 years of age, and the concentrated fruit of 2015 was traditionally fermented in whole clusters and then aged in ancient neutral foudre.

The result is a Côte de Brouilly of fabulous depth and character, so harmonious it’s enjoyable now. Yet, it will age effortlessly for decades. When the Geoffrays first showed the 2015 Ch. Thivin to Neal Martin in June, 2016, they also let him taste the 1987 vintage. Not only was he in awe of the 2015; he pronounced the ’87 “a delight after 27 years.”

Martin recommends drinking the 2015 from now through 2035. And his Wine Advocate replacement, William Kelly, is very nearly as optimistic, suggesting we drink it through 2033. 

Whether to drink now—or years later—make sure that some 2015 Ch. Thivin Côte de Brouilly is in your cellar.

Unfortunately, we have a very limited stock of this and must limit orders to maximum of 3 bts, 2 mags and 2 half bottles. Hurry.