Dom Lafarge-Vial - Fleurie 'La Joie du Palais' 2022 (750ml)

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Producer	Dom Lafarge-Vial
Country	France
Region	Beaujolais
Subregion	Fleurie
Varietal	Gamay
Vintage	2022
Sku	39203
Size	750ml

  

WA

92

BH

92

Renowned Burgundian vintners Frédéric and Chantal Lafarge expanded their viticultural horizons in 2014, establishing Domaine Lafarge-Vial in Beaujolais as a testament to their shared passion for exceptional terroir. Building upon their esteemed legacy in Volnay, the couple acquired prime vineyards across Chiroubles and Fleurie, immediately implementing their proven biodynamic practices. Their commitment to authenticity extends from the steep, horse-plowed slopes worked by their gentle giant Max to their traditional Burgundian vinification methods. Starting with just 2.25 hectares, they've thoughtfully expanded to 4.1 hectares of old-vine plots. The domaine, named to reflect their equal partnership (Vial being Chantal's maiden name), exemplifies their dedication to transparent terroir expression through meticulous viticulture and gentle winemaking techniques.

Crafting this refined Gamay requires extraordinary dedication, evidenced by the steep 50% grade slopes that can only be worked by horse-drawn plow. The concentrated fruit from 70-year-old vines, deeply rooted in distinctive pink granite soils, undergoes careful fermentation with 15% whole clusters in concrete tanks. The resulting wine opens with a bouquet of sun-warmed wild blackberries and fresh violets, followed by a palate showcasing ripe red cherries and crushed raspberries. A subtle hint of warm granite and fresh herbs emerges from the gentle winemaking approach, with patient aging in neutral oak barrels creating a wine of remarkable purity and precision.

From 70- to 80-year-old vines, the 2022 Fleurie Joie de Palais is joyous on the nose with aromas of violets, raspberries, cherries and brown spices. Aged in 350-liter barrels and foudres, the medium-bodied wine is crafted with dusty tannins and ripe acids that imbue the silky red-fruited core with dimension, long-lasting on the palate, culminating in a mouth-watering, flavorful finish. It's a suave wine with just the right amount of grip straight out of the barrel. It will age for 15 months in 350-liter barrels and foudre, set to be a fine offering from the Lafarge-Vial team.

Exceptionally pretty aromas offer up softly spicy and lightly peppery nuances on the relatively floral-infused red berry scents. The delicious, lilting and more refined flavors exude more evident minerality on the lingering finale that is shaped by attractively fine-grained tannins. This could use better depth but a few years of keeping should address that.