Daniel Bouland Bellevue Schist 2016

This cuvée of Morgon, Daniel produces from a single parcel in lieu-dit Bellevue where the soil is schist, and like Côte de Py, has a distinctive mineral quality and above all “class” that comes out more and more with age. 60 year old vines on schist and Granite from the Bellevue vineyard. This is old school Morgon at its finest. Fresh berries, crushed rose petals, quaint cola, herbs, minerals. Soft, ethereal and grace filled on the palate. Long and melodic finish. 93 POINTS, JEB DUNNUCK Even Bouland himself struggled to find fault in his wines from what is an outstanding vintage for Beaujolais. “I’m not complaining,” he told us—a phrase you will not often hear from this notoriously self-critical grower. The main takeaway from the year is how fresh and racy the wines are, considering the vintage could be summarised as hot and dry. Unlike 2020, when the lack of water resulted in thick skins, little juice and deep, structured wines, 2022 was completely different. Although an August harvest once again, alcohol levels are lower than in 2020, and the fruit is more vibrant and balanced. The only clue to the nature of the year is how irresistible the wines already are. JASPER MORRIS