Lafarge-Vial Fleurie Clos Vernay 2020 (1.5L)

92 JM

5 Star Wine. Another lovely and lively pink purple, no deeper in colour from this steep site with granite and quartz. Razor sharp precision here, quintessential floral notes and the bright red fruit of Fleurie with a complete and crunchy finish. This needs more time than the others, and will be exceptional. Tasted: October 2021.-Jasper Morris, Inside Burgundy

Acquired in 2014 by Volnay's Frédéric Lafarge and his wife Chantal, née Vial, this four-hectare domaine is biodynamically farmed. The grapes are partially destemmed and fermented with punch-downs and pump-overs during the maceration, followed by pressing in a vertical press. Maturation is in well-used cooperage from the Domaine Lafarge in Volnay. The result is old-school cru Beaujolais, built to age. Any readers looking for Gamay that will converge with great Pinot Noir should look no further. .—William Kelley, The Wine Advocate