2024 Fleurie, Clos de la Roilette, Domaine Coudert

This is what Cru Beaujolais is all about. It's ebullient and expressive on the nose, with classic aromas of violets, strawberries and just a hint of spice. The palate combines come-hither juicy red fruit with refreshing acidity and a bright mineral core that hoves into view towards the finish. The Clos takes its name a former-owner's favourite racehorse, whose portrait still adorns the distinctive yellow label. The soil here, a stone’s throw from the border with Moulin-à-Vent, is deeper than elsewhere in Fleurie, with more clay, and seams of manganese. In terms of winemaking, it’s fair to say that not a huge amount has changed since the Coudert family acquired the domaine in the 1960s. But if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Semi-carbonic maceration in concrete vats is followed by up to a year’s maturation in traditional old foudres. A wine to enjoy with gay abandon or to sip and savour; one to drink now ‘sur le fruit’ or to cellar, for extra complexity.