Domaine de Bel-Air Beaujolais Villages 'Les Charmes' 2022

This Beaujolais-Villages Gamay is abundant with generous fruit. Domaine de Bel-Air, under the stewardship of Jean-Marc Lafont, is renowned for producing Beaujolais wines of great finesse. Jean-Marc’s meticulous work in his vineyards is the emphasis for the winery. The Beaujolais-Villages comes from vineyards surrounding the Domaine on the Bel-Air hill and another in the village of Quincié. The vines, averaging 50 years in age, contribute to the wine’s complexity.

The Morgon 'Les Charmes' shows some precise notes of cherry, peach and plum. The palate is structured with bold and silky tannins and is also driven by a very distinctive minerality. It pairs well with cheese, beef burgundy, coq au vin and meat cooked on the barbecue. It is ready to drink if decanted 30 minutes before serving. It can also be cellared up until 2026. 100% Gamay.

The effusive nose of ripe blackcurrants lead you into this elegant and understated Morgon, which has well-crafted fine tannins that very neatly fill out the medium-bodied palate. Long, plush finish with animating acidity and some stony minerality. Drink or hold. 92 points, James Suckling.