Gamay from the Masters, Domaine Lafarge-Vial

Domaine Lafarge-Vial, Fleurie

Domaine Michel Lafarge has long been crafting tasty Passe-tout-grains for decades made from a co-ferment of Gamay and Pinot Noir, so farming and vinifying Gamay is not foreign to Chez Michel.  Anyone who has had a well-aged and mature bottle can attest to the greatness of old-vine Gamay on Burgundian soils.  However, this story is about Michel's son and daughter-in-law, Frederic Lafarge and Chantal Vial.  They sought to branch out of the family Domaine in Volnay and head south to Fleurie in Beaujolais to start their own venture.  In 2014 they formed Domaine Lafarge-Vial to work the famed crus of Fleurie, Cote de Brouilly, and Chiroubles. The slight delay in ripeness between the Cote de Beaune and the Beaujolais allow the Lafarge's to be fully present during harvest at both Domaines. 

In 2015 vintage, the couple acquired the gorgeous, high altitude, old-vine plot of Joie du Palais in Fleurie. Here the steep slopes require horse-plowing, for which the Lafarge's recruit Max, a beautiful gray horse who also spends time working Olivier Merlin’s vineyard in Moulin a Vent.

Fleurie La Joie du Palais
1.50 ha planted exclusively to Gamay from 70+ year old vines.  A third of the parcel has an extremely steep slope (50% grade) requiring plowing by horse on soils of crumbly pink granite.  The vines consistently produce smaller berries resulting in a seriously structed and more serious wine.  The vines are farmed organically, and Biodynamically (certification).
Vinification uses about 15% whole clusters, indigenous yeast alcoholic fermentation in concrete tank with gentle extraction. Aging in older 228 and 350-liter barrels for 12 months.

2022 Domaine Lafarge-Vial Fleurie La Joie du Palais - WA 92+, BH 92, JM 91

Kenna Wells, Wine Advocate - 92+
"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. The 2022 releases capture strong aromatics, with age-worthy structures that will serve them for years to come." - May 30, 2024. Drinking Window: 2025-2036

Allen Meadows, Burghound - 92 Outstanding
"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." - Apr 10, 2024

Jasper Morris, Inside Burgundy - 91 Four Stars
"A bright crimson purple. A delicious energy on the nose, even though this is not the freshest sample. A wine of harmony on the palate, with a long flowing finish. Very graceful with the flower power of the best of Fleurie plus the fresher approach of the upper hillsides. A candidate for a 5th star if tasted in ideal conditions. Drink from 2024-2028." - November 2023

With each passing harvest and vintage, the couple is only refining their methods and honing their craft.  The proof lies in the resulting wines.

Orders which include wines marked PRE-ARRIVAL that are combined with in stock items will be available for shipping/collection once all items have arrived at our warehouse.

If you place an order it may be held for more favorable shipping weather.  If you would like to discuss expedited shipping options just contact us.  Orders are automatically insured for $100, you can add additional insurance at checkout.

Automatically receive a discounted ground shipping rate when you order a full case of 12 bottles (mix and match - 750ml only).  Shipping promotion not valid for combination with previous orders.  Pricing for this offer only and not retroactive.

.

-The Bottle List