Cru Beaujolais 2022: Panel tasting results
An in-depth, three-day tasting highlighted the diversity, value and increasing quality to be found in the resurgent region of Beaujolais.
Andy Howard MW, Melania Battiston and Victoria Daskal tasted 203 wines, with 13 Outstanding and 125 Highly Recommended
Cru Beaujolais 2022: Panel tasting scores
203 wines tasted
Exceptional 0
Outstanding 13
Highly recommended 125
Recommended 60
Commended 5
Entry criteria: producers and UK agents were invited to submit their 2022 vintage reds from any of the 10 Beaujolais cru sub-regions (Brouilly, Côte de Brouilly, Chénas, Chiroubles, Fleurie, Juliénas, Morgon, Moulin-à-Vent, Régnié, St-Amour)
The judges were delighted by the quality on show from the highly regarded 2022 vintage.
Moulin-à-Vent, Fleurie and Morgon led the way with four, three and two Outstanding wines respectively, but the judges were thrilled to see the strength in some of the lesser-known crus, with Chiroubles (the highest in altitude), St-Amour (most northerly alongside Juliénas) and Régnié (most recent AP) all featuring at least one wine at 95 points.
While this success won’t come as a surprise to fans of cru Beaujolais, the results might surprise those who are less familiar with what’s happening in the region today.
Scroll down to see notes and scores of the top-scoring wines from our Cru Beaujolais 2022 tasting
The brilliance of Beaujolais
Beaujolais was long renowned for light, early-drinking, ‘pear-drop and bubble-gum’ wines that were easy to drink but rarely memorable.
Today, the region is the source of some of France’s most terroir-focused wines, often delivering fine-wine quality at great price points.
Sommelier Melania Battiston said: ‘From an on-trade perspective, in many restaurants, we are still faced with the easy-drinking, cheerful representations of Beaujolais, [but] I would happily buy and list most of the bottles that were rated Recommended or above here.’
Victoria Daskal was also enthusiastic: ‘The tasting revealed a remarkable spectrum of possibilities within each village – a testament to the interplay of soils, microclimates, vineyard ages and producer styles.’
Each taster identified different crus as personal favourites. For Daskal, ‘Fleurie defied its delicate, floral reputation, spanning everything from light, invigorating 12% alcohols to dense, ripe 15.5% expressions’.
I was a big fan of Moulin-à-Vent, a powerhouse within the Beaujolais crus, with many wines already at the level of fine Burgundy from the Côte d’Or, while Battiston was impressed by Régnié: ‘For me, the most refined and elegant.’
Daskal also championed Morgon, which she felt offered ‘exceptional fruit concentration, precision and charm, plus a compelling mix of drinkability, ageworthiness and value’.
Overall, she said: ‘The classic crus showed a variety of styles, but the lesser-known crus certainly stood out, too. Régnié, Chénas and Chiroubles impressed, with distinct personalities rooted in their terroirs, showcasing mineral-driven profiles, striking freshness and consistently high quality.’
Click here to see more results from the Cru Beaujolais 2022 panel tasting
What to eat with Cru Beaujolais wines, by Fiona Beckett
Most people still see Beaujolais as a picnic wine, suitable only for pairing with charcuterie and mild soft cheeses such as brie.
True, it goes well with both, especially patés and terrines, but serious bottles such as Morgon and Moulin-à-Vent offer far more than that, the best rivalling red Burgundy for power, elegance and sophistication.
Think, then, of pairing them, particularly older vintages, with a fine roast chicken, feathered game such as duck, partridge or pheasant, or (remember this for later in the year) Christmas turkey, especially the Boxing Day leftovers.
They’re a natural with bistro classics such as kidneys with mustard, oeufs en meurette or hachis parmentier – the region is one of the last bastions of old-school French cooking.
Less obviously, it’s also good with Chinese food – if you want a red pairing, Beaujolais is as good as any – and (albeit lighter styles such as Fleurie) with sushi.
And don’t forget that delicious dessert of strawberries with, or rather in, Beaujolais. Roll on summer.
Cru Beaujolais 2022 panel tasting scores
Wines were tasted blind
The judges
Andy Howard MW is a Decanter contributing editor and DWWA Regional Chair. He runs his own consultancy, Vinetrades, focusing on wine education, judging, investment and sourcing
Melania Battiston is wine director at Cornus restaurant in London, and formerly assistant food & beverage manager for Aman Resorts. A CMS Advanced Sommelier, she runs her own consultancy and coaching company for hospitality and brands, Mel CnC
Victoria Daskal is a wine writer, presenter, consultant and WSET educator. In 2008, she completed the OIV MSc in International Wine Management, and among others has since worked for Jancis Robinson’s Purple Pages and as managing editor of The World of Fine Wine
Related articles
- Burgundy on a budget: 10 tips to buying smarter
- Grand Auxerrois: The go-to region for value Burgundy?
- Uncovering Burgundy’s underrated premier cru vineyards
Château de la Chaize, La Chapelle des Bois, Beaujolais, Fleurie, Burgundy, France, 2022
This family wine estate was founded 350 years ago by Jean-François de La Chaize d’Aix, whose descendants passed the business on in 2017 to the...
2022
Château de la ChaizeBeaujolais
Antoine Sunier, Beaujolais, Morgon, Burgundy, France, 2022
Antoine Sunier is one of the new kids on the block, having formed his domaine in 2014. This small estate of 5ha is located in...
2022
Antoine SunierBeaujolais
Antoine Sunier, Beaujolais, Régnié, Burgundy, France, 2022
Originally working with his brother Julien, Antoine Sunier studied oenology before his first job as winemaker for Jean-Claude Lapalu in Brouilly. He proceeded to establish...
2022
Antoine SunierBeaujolais
Cave du Château de Chénas, La Chapelle des Bois, Beaujolais, Fleurie, Burgundy, France, 2022
Established in 1934, this is a substantial cooperative winery with more than 80 members and vineyard holdings totalling 210ha, the largest of which are the...
2022
Cave du Château de ChénasBeaujolais
Château des Bachelards, Beaujolais, St-Amour, Burgundy, France, 2022
Château des Bachelards in Fleurie was founded in 1100 by the Benedictine monks of Cluny. Having spent more than 200 years in the hands of...
2022
Château des BachelardsBeaujolais
Château du Moulin-à-Vent, Champ de Cour, Beaujolais, Moulin-à-Vent, Burgundy, France, 2022
Champ de Cour is one of the 14 Moulin-à-Vent lieux-dits proposed to the INAO for elevation to premier cru status. It’s a 3.29ha site at...
2022
Château du Moulin-à-VentBeaujolais
Château du Moulin-à-Vent, Clos de Londres, Beaujolais, Moulin-à-Vent, Burgundy, France, 2022
The château is now run by the dynamic Edouard Parinet, together with winemaker Brice Laffond since 2013. Both are focused on terroir, using massal selection...
2022
Château du Moulin-à-VentBeaujolais
Château du Moulin-à-Vent, Les Grands Savarins, Beaujolais, Moulin-à-Vent, Burgundy, France, 2022
Established in 1732, the Château du Moulin-à-Vent lies at the centre of the appellation, beside the historic windmill. Since purchasing it in 2009, the Parinet...
2022
Château du Moulin-à-VentBeaujolais
Domaine Christophe Savoye, Cuvée Prestige Vieilles Vignes, Beaujolais, Chiroubles, Burgundy, France, 2022
Dating back to 1825, Christophe Savoye’s seven-generation estate is located in the heart of Chiroubles. His objective is minimal intervention, harvesting the grapes by hand...
2022
Domaine Christophe SavoyeBeaujolais
Famille Chasselay, III, Beaujolais, Fleurie, Burgundy, France, 2022
Domaine Chasselay has 14ha of vines, primarily in Brouilly and Côte de Brouilly, and a family history back to 1464. Certified organic since 2006, the...
2022
Famille ChasselayBeaujolais
Famille Mélinon, Chastys, Beaujolais, Régnié, Burgundy, France, 2022
Gaëtan Mélinon is a young winemaker now working with his mother and sister (Odile and Marine) at the family estate in Morgon. The estate covers...
2022
Famille MélinonBeaujolais
Jean-Paul & Charly Thévenet, Vieilles Vignes, Beaujolais, Morgon, Burgundy, France, 2022
Jean-Paul Thévenet (one of Beaujolais’ so-called Gang of Four) took over his father’s Morgon estate in 1976. He was heavily influenced by the iconic Marcel...
2022
Jean-Paul & Charly ThévenetBeaujolais
Maison Piron, Beaujolais, Moulin-à-Vent, Burgundy, France, 2022
The Piron’s family history in Beaujolais dates back 14 generations to a forebear born in Morgon in 1590. Dominique Piron created Maison Piron in 1988,...
2022
Maison PironBeaujolais
Arnaud Combier, Beaujolais, Fleurie, Burgundy, France, 2022
Juicy dark cherries, violets, lavender and hibiscus tea aromas. Dense on the palate with smooth, stalky tannins, lively acidity and a vibrant, energising finish. Chunky...
2022
Arnaud CombierBeaujolais
Château de Javernand, Vieilles Vignes, Beaujolais, Chiroubles, Burgundy, France, 2022
Traditional yet sweet nose with dark berries, wild cherries and rhubarb. Fresh and savoury on the palate with crunchy red fruit, silky tannins and lingering...
2022
Château de JavernandBeaujolais
Cave du Château de Chénas, Exception Les Combes, Beaujolais, Chénas, Burgundy, France, 2022
Bright, floral nose with sour cherries, strawberries and hints of Earl Grey tea. Mineral-driven palate with crunchy tannins, lively acidity and a fresh herbal finish....
2022
Cave du Château de ChénasBeaujolais
Château de Javernand, Les Gatilles, Beaujolais, Chiroubles, Burgundy, France, 2022
Bright and pure with aromas of stalky raspberries, strawberry jam and white pepper. Juicy, energetic palate with fresh acidity, smooth tannins and gentle tannic grip....
2022
Château de JavernandBeaujolais
Château de La Greffière, En Paradis, Beaujolais, St-Amour, Burgundy, France, 2022
Charming and perfumed with scents of roses, hibiscus, strawberries and plums. Rich, velvety palate with notes of berry compote, cloves and toffee framed by well-judged...
2022
Château de La GreffièreBeaujolais
Château de Poncié, 949, Beaujolais, Fleurie, Burgundy, France, 2022
Floral nose with herbs, fresh blackberry, cherry and lush blueberries. Concentrated, pure red fruit on the palate. Smooth yet structured, capturing both freshness and depth....
2022
Château de PonciéBeaujolais
Château des Bachelards, Le Clos des Bachelards Monopole, Beaujolais, Fleurie, Burgundy, France, 2022
An exotic nose of sour cherries, cedar and violets. Juicy red fruits follow on the palate, with blueberry jam and cardamom. Powerful yet fresh with...
2022
Château des BachelardsBeaujolais
Château du Moulin-à-Vent, La Rochelle, Beaujolais, Moulin-à-Vent, Burgundy, France, 2022
Vibrant and polished, with fruit notes of blueberries, raspberries, cherries and pomegranates. Floral accents of roses and violets. Smooth, fresh palate with playful tannins, mineral...
2022
Château du Moulin-à-VentBeaujolais
Domaine de la Bonne Tonne, Grands Cras, Beaujolais, Morgon, Burgundy, France, 2022
Bright nose with aromas of struck match, cherries, strawberries, rose petals and bay leaf. Fresh and refined palate with smooth tannins, energetic acidity and a...
2022
Domaine de la Bonne TonneBeaujolais
Domaine de Leyre-Loup, Réserve Louis Leyre-Loup, Beaujolais, Fleurie, Burgundy, France, 2022
Waxy barrel hints with fresh plums, wild cherries and rosemary herbal notes. Sweet caramel and cherry pie on the toasty palate. Concentrated, smooth and complex...
2022
Domaine de Leyre-LoupBeaujolais
Domaine Les Capréoles, Sous la Croix, Beaujolais, Régnié, Burgundy, France, 2022
Coffee and mocha nose with fruit notes of ripe cherries, blueberries and blackcurrants. Dense, concentrated palate with integrated oak, harmonious structure and deep fruit. New...
2022
Domaine Les CapréolesBeaujolais
Famille Chasselay, Les Balloquets, Beaujolais, Brouilly, Burgundy, France, 2022
Light and precise with aromas of tea, peony and vibrant red fruits. Sour cherries, strawberries and redcurrants on the palate. Crisp, tangy and youthful, with...
2022
Famille ChasselayBeaujolais
Jean-Paul Brun, Terres Dorées, Beaujolais, Fleurie, Burgundy, France, 2022
Concentrated, terroir-driven Fleurie with ripe black cherry, crushed raspberries and wild plums. Fragrant palate with red fruit and floral notes, bright acidity, soft tannins and...
2022
Jean-Paul Brun, Terres DoréesBeaujolais
Maison Piron, Quartz, Beaujolais, Chénas, Burgundy, France, 2022
Juicy and fresh with red fruits – cranberries and strawberries. Floral and herbal with scents of violets and thyme, and mineral notes adding lift and...
2022
Maison PironBeaujolais
Olivier Pézenneau, La Poyebade, Beaujolais, Côte de Brouilly, Burgundy, France, 2022
Complex and vibrant on the nose with floral notes, dark berries and cherries. Fresh acidity and soft tannins on the full-bodied palate with notes of...
2022
Olivier PézenneauBeaujolais
Sandrine Henriot, Les Charmes, Beaujolais, Morgon, Burgundy, France, 2022
Floral nose with fruit notes of ripe red cherries, cranberries and bramble. Deeply fruited on the palate with black cherries and figs. Broad and generous...
2022
Sandrine HenriotBeaujolais
Thibault Ducroux, Beaujolais, Fleurie, Burgundy, France, 2022
Mineral-driven Fleurie with aromas of rose petals, hibiscus and rosemary. Deep, ripe black cherry fruit notes fill the rich, perfumed palate. Structured and serious in...
2022
Thibault DucrouxBeaujolais
