Morgon

Our first Beaujolais-Villages has been made by talented brother and sister team Louis-Benoît and Claude-Emmanuelle Desvignes. The fruit comes from a parcel of 60-year-old vines on a south-facing granite slope in the commune of Jullié, which sits at around 400 metres’ altitude. The old vines provide concentrated strawberry fruit, while the high altitude and granite soil give grip and mineral freshness. Made without oak to preserve the pristine fruit character, the oral top notes, sweet red-berry fruit and crunchy nish make this an irresistible wine.  
Adam Bruntlett -Wine Buyer

Jean-Marc’s vines at the top of the Côte du Py suffered from hail on May 19th, so his mid-slope south-facing vines – which, he says, are most expressive of the slope’s famous blue granite – had more of a say than usual in the final blend. While this has a hugely attractive bouquet of berry fruit and flowers, it’s the intense mineral character of the palate that makes a real impression. Expect mouth-watering acidity and firm, fine-grained tannins that soften with time in the glass or decanter. There’s plenty of ripe fruit too, courtesy of a relatively warm growing season. A brilliant wine from one of the finest terroirs in Beaujolais, not to mention one of the finest winemakers.
Will Heslop – Burgundy Buying Assistant

Having recently taken over from their father, brother and sister team Louis-Benoît and Claude- Emmanuelle Desvignes are making some of the most exciting wines in the village of Morgon, one of the top crus of Beaujolais. They make wines without using any oak, allowing the grapes and soil to express themselves.

Medium ruby in colour with vibrant purple highlights, the nose offers lifted, floral top notes and fresh raspberry fruit, while the palate is juicy, crunchy and energetic. There is a gentle sweetness to the red cherry fruit which marries seamlessly with the fine and chalky tannins. Drink now to 2024.

This is a powerful, voluptuous Morgon from clay-rich soils at the foot of the Côte du Py. For all its concentration, the 2018 is approachable now – its supple tannins and ripe fruit profile are characteristic of the warm, dry ’18 vintage. There are subtle hints of black fruit and spice here, but ripe red fruit aromas take centre stage for the time being. But this is categorically a wine that will pinote or Morgonne (come to resemble Pinot rather than Gamay) over time. Have no qualms about cellaring it for eight to 10 years. Drink now to 2028.
Will Heslop, Burgundy Buying Assistant (summer 2019)

A serious wine from the lower part of the eponymous Côte du Py, on les Javernières exactly. This cuvee is produced from the oldest vines…some were planted in…1914 (the youngest plants being 25+ years old but going to Les Javernières cuvee). South east facing on deep clay rich in iron oxide rich soils and whole bunch fermentations have contributed to give birth to a robust wine packed full character.

Ink black in colour with a profound and rich nose. Full, muscular and tight on the palate, this wine is youth at the moment and requires airing prior to drinking (consider morning for evening drinking – no decanting - at cellar temperature). This is a very promising wine which will develop nicely over the next 10+ years in a good cellar. A characterful example, Beaujolais at its very best!
Francis Huicq, London Shop Manager

A small bottling from some ancient – over 100 year old - vines in the clay-rich Javernieres vineyard at the foot of the famous Cote de Py hill. Despite coming in at just 12.4% alcohol, with no subsequent adjustment, this is utterly black in colour, with incredible density. Tasted from tank it showed a most astonishing density of fruit. One to put away for the long term!
Jasper Morris MW, Burgundy Buying Director