Le Clos de Valentin 2022 Beaujolais Villages, Chateau de Vaux

Chateau de Vaux

Named after Yannick and Sandrine de Vermont’s son, the Clos de Valentin is situated on a vertiginous schist-infused slope behind the family’s house; the vines are 75 years’ old, pruned in the classic gobelet format, giving a tiny yield of perfectly mature deep-coloured grapes. 85% destemmed and only a micro-dose of sulphur used at the time of bottling, the bouquet explodes with aromas of cherries, sweet blackberries, spice and rose petals. Very much a full-bodied style with great amplitude and succulence, the tannins are gossamer-fine and there is an unmistakable core of juicy fruit.

Like the more recent 2022 vintage, 2020 was another solar year in the region, resulting in wines with an opulent texture and a dark fruit profile. The quality of the grapes harvested was outstanding and the low yields saw some very deeply coloured wines. They are fruit-driven wines but with the concentration and balance to age.