Domaines Chermette - Beaujolais Coeur de Vendanges 2023 (Vignes centenaires)

Bettane & Desseauve

About the estate:

Martine and Pierre-Marie Chermette are gradually handing over the reins to their son Jean-Étienne Chermette, who has wasted no time in introducing some significant changes. In particular, the name of the estate: Domaines Chermette instead of Domaine du Vissoux. That said, the essentials remain the same: 31 hectares of red Beaujolais, 5.5 hectares of white Beaujolais, and 16.50 hectares of cru wines in Fleurie, Brouilly, and Moulin-à-Vent. The estate, renowned for the richness and roundness of its wines, seems to have adopted a more rigorous style in recent vintages, perhaps more geared towards aging. Nevertheless, the quality remains high, with special mention for the Garants and Les Trois Roches in 2016.

Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

About wine:

The Beaujolais Coeur de Vendanges Vignes Centenaires 2023 is charming as ever, opening with notes of red and black cherries and stewed berries, enhanced by subtle hints of vine smoke and baking spices. Medium-bodied to full-bodied on the palate, it offers ripe acidity that enlivens its round profile, while its generous, velvety texture lingers through the finish, fading with refined elegance.

About the estate:

Jean-Étienne Chermette continues to craft one of the most reliable portfolios in the region at this benchmark estate in southern Beaujolais. As I have written before, old vines, meticulous yet traditional winemaking, and barrel aging are the cornerstones of the approach here. The young Chermette, who has also launched his own label, discussed in this report, reminded me that the estate obtained Terra Vitis certification in 2018, which is definitely a step in the right direction. 2021 at this address, as elsewhere, marks a return to a lighter, more ethereal and succulent style of Beaujolais than recent hot and dry vintages have tended to offer, but at this address, these virtues do not come at the expense of flavor or substance.

RVF - La Revue du Vin de France / Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France

About the estate:

The estate's slogan, "the art of making wine as close as possible to the grape," perfectly reflects the range of artisan winemaker Pierre-Marie Chermette, now joined by Jean-Étienne, one of his sons. He began his career on his parents' 10 hectares in southern Beaujolais, before acquiring 20 hectares in the Fleurie and Moulin-à-Vent crus, then in Brouilly in 2008. The wines revolve around a core of mature fruit that charms while respecting the identity of the terroirs. A sign of quality, the wines age gracefully even in difficult vintages.

James Suckling