“An extraordinary blend of spicy and balsamic notes envelops the ripe (but not overripe) blackberries in this concentrated, imposing Brouilly. The texture is so silky that it’s hard to put down! The very long, intense finish keeps delivering fruit. Should age very well.” (James Suckling 2022)
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Eye
A deep ruby color with violet highlights
Nose
Shimmering scents of lily and violet, with notes of black cherry and spices
Palate
Fruity with a delicate finish, aromas of sun-warmed stones, good body, a wine with aging potential
Serve
At 15-16°C
Drink before
2030
Food and wine pairings
It pairs perfectly with rabbit stew, guinea fowl with cabbage, or a rack of lamb...
Bettane & Desseauve
Wine rated 91/100
Rated estate (2021 guide) 2*Stars (A solid, recommendable vintage, though slightly more consistent and uniform than the previous one)
About the wine:
A powerful, full-bodied nose that combines notes of very ripe black fruit—in keeping with the estate’s style—with high-quality oak that complements the wine’s body on the palate without drying it out. Well done.
About the estate:
As we reported in the previous issue, Château de la Chaize, previously owned by the Marquise de Roussy de Sales, has been acquired by Christophe Gruy and his Maïa group. With a 250-hectare vineyard, including 99 hectares of Brouilly, Château de la Chaize is one of the most beautiful estates in Beaujolais, which the new owner aims to convert to organic farming. At the same time, extensive renovation work has begun, particularly in the cellar, whose outdated charm and layout had been hindering the production of fine wines. The first wines of the Maïa era have not yet been released, but we would like to commend this colossal, visionary, and courageous investment in a region that has all the potential to shine. While the 2017s still lack depth and personality, the 2018s represent a major step forward. Brûlhier is rich and generous, and Combiliaty, with its granite-driven structure, already displays a certain elegance.
Guide Hachette des vins
Rated estate (2022 guide) Award-winning wines (This producer’s wines are regularly recognized by the guide)
About the estate:
This Grand Siècle-style château, built in 1674 according to plans by Jules Hardouin-Mansart, features gardens designed by André Le Nôtre. The vineyard is one of the largest in the Beaujolais region: it comprises 300 hectares in a single block, 150 of which are under cultivation, with a plot-by-plot approach to winemaking. It was acquired in 2017 by the Gruy family (Christophe and his nephew Boris, the vineyard manager). Numerous projects are currently underway, including the transition to organic and biodynamic farming.
Robert Parker - Wine Advocate
Rated wine (2022 guide) 90/100 (Excellent wine)
Rated estate (2021 guide) Recommended (Wine producer recommended by Robert Parker - The Wine Advocate)
About the wine:
Opening up in the glass with notes of cherries, berries, sweet spices, and licorice, the 2020 Brouilly is medium-bodied to full-bodied, full-flavored and lively, with crisp acidity, polished tannins, and a harmonious, flawless profile. This is another serious wine from Château de La Chaize, where significant investments in the vineyards and winery are truly paying off.
About the estate:
The ambitious restoration of Château de La Chaize and its vineyards—including a transition to organic farming—is continuing, and the results are beginning to show in the glass. With these new developments, this estate has immediately secured a spot on my shortlist of wineries to visit during my next tasting trip to the Beaujolais region.
RVF - La Revue du Vin de France / Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France
Wine rated (2023 guide) 90/100
Rated estate (2022 guide) Cité
About the wine:
With its rounded, slightly woody character, this wine has undergone an aging process that brings out its rich aromas, featuring notes of citrus, coffee cream, and toasted bread. The palate is sensual, with smooth, well-integrated tannins. It’s the perfect way to introduce Brouilly to its skeptics.
About the estate:
When he purchased this estate in 2017, Christophe Gruy set out to revive a sleeping beauty. A historic Brouilly property, previously farmed by sharecroppers, La Chaize now benefits from an owner who has fully embraced its potential: significant investments have been made in viticulture (a replanting program and the transition to organic farming), technical (the winemaking facilities are undergoing a massive renovation), and human resources (Pierre-Jean Villa as consultant, and winemaker Boris Gruy, Christophe’s nephew, appointed director) to bring the château’s 150 hectares to their highest potential. To top it all off, the new owner plans to achieve “zero-waste” production. The range features a rich, spontaneous style for the “smaller” cuvées, and a serious, deep, and controlled style for the single-vineyard wines; its consistency allows the estate to reconnect with our guide. Beaujolais needs this type of ambitious project, which we will follow closely over the coming vintages.
Wine Enthusiast
Wine rated (2023 guide) 91/100
Rated estate (2021 guide) Recommended (Wine producer recommended by Wine Enthusiast)
About the wine:
This single-vineyard wine offers good acidity and tannic structure. It has a dense body and will age well. Best enjoyed starting in 2024.
James Suckling
Wine rated (2022 guide) 95/100
Rated estate (2021 guide) Recommended
About the wine:
An extraordinary blend of spicy and balsamic notes envelops the ripe (but not overripe) blackberries in this concentrated, full-bodied Brouilly. The texture is so silky that it’s hard to put down! The very long, intense finish continues to deliver waves of fruit. Should age very well.
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