Ben,
first the disclaimer that I've tasted neither wine. But a few
thoughts on Beaujolais:
1) I have friends who are friends with the owner (countess?) of the Ch.
de la Chaize. So I've had quite a few. But I can't say that any have
moved me. Usually competent, never exciting.
2) I'm personally no DuBouef fan either, but understand that a lot of
people really liked their 2003s.
3) One must remember there's no right or wrong as to personal
preferences. Most of the 2003 Beaujolais I tried didn't really appeal
to me. Sure, big ripe fruit for a Beaujolais. But *for my tastes*
(important to realize taste is NOT universal) maybe a little low acid,
and in the ripeness of the very hot vintage a lot of the personality of
the appelations, and even of Gamay, was lost - for my tastes. This
speaks to typicity, something some wine drinkers value, and others
don't (and I have wine friends in both camps).
4) 2004 is not the vintage that 2002 was. But for my tastes the better
wines are better than the 2003s. I'd encourage you (if available in
your market) to try 2004s from Clos de la Roilette, JP Brun, Diochon,
Thevenet, Tete, etc. One of the great things about Beaujolais is that
Cru Beaujolais from the top artisanal producers are generally just a
couple bucks more than the mass market wines, and virtually all under
$20.
5) I'll look for the Drouhin '04. It's often a good deal.
Thanks for posting.