Château des Bachelards - Fleurie Le Clos des Bachelards 2020

Formerly a vineyard owned by the monks of Cluny, Château des Bachelards spans 12 hectares—6 of which are in Fleurie, forming a single contiguous block surrounding the château—with the remainder spread across the Moulin-à-Vent and Saint-Amour appellations. It is owned by Countess Alexandra de Vazeilles, who, after a career in corporate consulting, purchased the property in 2014. Notably, the vineyard has been certified organic since 2007, and it was Countess de Vazeilles who guided it toward biodynamic certification in 2015 and, in 2017, toward obtaining the “Fermes d’Avenir” label. Alexandra de Vazeilles has a strong personality, an entrepreneurial spirit, and an iron will—qualities that sometimes clash with the traditional winemaker’s mindset, which tends to be secretive and resistant to change. One need only taste a few of the estate’s vintages to grasp the unique character of this prominent estate. The young 2016 vintages are remarkable for their structure and precision. The use of oak is not taboo for the countess, but rather the hallmark of fine wines built for aging. Isn’t that one of the attributes we reserve for great wines?

With its understated style, Le Clos stands out for the quality of its fruit and the precision of its aging. The fruit is refined, subtle, and enhanced by a discreet minerality. Start opening it in 2 or 3 years and enjoy it for over a decade.

A graduate in oenology, Alexandra de Vazeilles acquired this lovely estate in 2014. She cut her teeth at prestigious wineries in Burgundy and the Bordeaux region. The entire vineyard, ranging in age from 60 to over 100 years, has been certified biodynamic since 2015. She seeks depth in her wines while maintaining true finesse. The winemaking process, which is adapted to each vintage, allows for this.

Medium purplish-red color. The nose offers darker, more intense fruit aromas; less fragrant but more flavorful. Firm and spicy on the palate, with a fruitier finish. Supple tannins that enhance the wine’s freshness. (JH)

A true giant of elegance, energy, and finesse, this Fleurie from a single vineyard ranks among the standout wines of the vintage in the Beaujolais region. It offers breathtaking concentration on a dense palate—ranging from medium-bodied to full-bodied—that proves extraordinarily fresh and precise for a very hot vintage. The aromas are just beginning to unfold, but notes of red roses, pomegranates, and cloves are already apparent. Then, the minerality of damp stone washes over you in a great wave during an impressive finish. Made from grapes grown using biodynamic farming methods. Ready to drink now, but will reach its peak starting in 2025.