B-21 Top Recommendation Read More
Yohan Lardy's Beaujolais bona fides run deep. As the son of renowned winemaker Lucien Lardy, he has a profound understanding of the region's top terroirs and a firm commitment to seeing them shine on the world stage. Since his inaugural 2012 vintage, Lardy has gone from intriguing upstart to a standard-bearer of minimal intervention winemaking, his wines garnering more and more attention and accolades with each vintage. His ace in the hole? Prized plots of extraordinarily old vines in Beaujolais' most famed crus. This line-up of 2023s showcases Lardy's exceptional domaine holdings and the burgeoning superstar skills of one of the region's brightest young talents in jaw-dropping fashion.
The "fabulous balance and precision" of the 97-point Moulin-à-Vent Les Michelons is a real highlight, while the "stunningly fresh" Fleurie Le Vivier and 96-point Chénas Les Deschamps offer best-in-class character from these two insider's crus. The crown-jewel of the domaine, however, is unquestionably the Vignes de 1903, a perennial stunner from a small sub-parcel of 120-year-old vines in the Les Michelons lieu-dit." A prime example of what modern Beaujolais does best with its "superb old-vine character and pure terroir definition from a winemaker reaching a new level of performance," as described by B-21 Burgundy Buyer Andrew Kitz, the astounding, JS98 Vignes de 1903 is no pop-and-pour charmer, though it is plenty captivating even in its youth. Instead, it's a serious expression of a singular terroir that collectors can truly appreciate after many years in cellar. As Stuart Pigott writes for James Suckling's recent report, "It’s hard to wrap your head around this extraordinary Moulin-a-Vent, but give it time, and it will wrap itself around – and into – your head." In one of France's most dynamic wine region's, Lardy is a undoubtedly a name to know, especially considering the combination of world-class quality and must-see bargain pricing. |