“Watch out—this is a serious bottle! The combination of the magnificent terroir of La Madone and the advanced age of the vines has produced a 2018 of great stature. The nose is dark and elegant, with delicate black fruit and a delightful granite-like character. The palate offers beautiful fullness, thanks to its density and caressing texture. A lovely, salty finish that’s sure to make your mouth water. ” (The Guide to the Best Wines of France 2021 - RVF)
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Eye
Deep ruby color with violet hues
Nose
A lovely nose, fragrant with aromas of red berries and subtle peppery notes
Palate
Full-bodied and supple, with lovely, fine, velvety tannins. A beautiful, lingering finish with fruity notes.
Serve
At 13-15°C
Open
1 hour before for young vintages
Drink before
2029
Guard
8 to 10 years old
Food and wine pairings
Perfect with veal blanquette, andouillette, or salted pork with lentils
Bettane & Desseauve
Rated 2 stars (A solid, recommendable production, though slightly more conventional and uniform than the previous one)
About the estate:
Established for five generations on Fleurie’s most famous vineyard, La Madone, the Després family produces a consistently high-quality range of elegant, well-balanced Fleurie wines. Arnaud, the son of Jean-Pierre Després, founded the Domaine du Niagara in 2005. He is expected to take over the family estate this year and will henceforth manage the entire operation. It is a daunting task on a famous yet challenging vineyard. The most recent vintages live up to the estate’s reputation, and the wide range of wines offers a safe choice at a reasonable price.
Guide Hachette des vins
Wine noted (guide 2022) 1*Star (Very successful wine)
Rated estate (2022 guide) Award-winning wines (This producer’s wines are regularly recognized by the guide)
About the wine:
On this beautiful terroir in La Madone, Arnaud Després cultivates 2 hectares of 80-year-old vines. From them, he produces a superb, intense Fleurie that opens up unreservedly to reveal ripe black fruits, violets, and sweet spices. This aromatic intensity carries over to a full-bodied, dense, and rich palate with fine, velvety tannins, lingering into a long, fresh finish. It is clean, very well-balanced, delicious, and built to age beautifully.
About the estate:
Jean-Marc Després, one of the leading figures in Fleurie, has been based there since 1984 with his wife Maryse. In 2018, he handed over his estate to his son Arnaud, who now oversees 18 hectares located near an iconic site of the appellation: the Chapel of the Madonna. Another label: Dom. du Niagara.
RVF - La Revue du Vin de France / Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France
Wine rated (2021 guide) 92/100
Rated estate (2022 guide) Selected (Please note that this guide is a ranking, and as such, all the estates listed here—even those without a star—represent, in our view, the pinnacle of French winemaking.)
About the wine:
Watch out—this is a serious bottle! The combination of the magnificent terroir of La Madone and the advanced age of the vines has produced a 2018 of great stature. The nose is deep and elegant, with delicate black fruit and a delightful granite-like character. The palate offers a beautiful fullness, thanks to its density and caressing texture. A lovely, salty finish that’s sure to make your mouth water.
About the estate:
Jean-Marc Després is a reserved winemaker who speaks to you through his eyes… and through his wines! His son Arnaud joined him in 2005. He then took over his great-grandfather’s vineyards, which he markets under the Domaine Niagara label, revised the vineyard management practices, and planted new plots, including Viognier on granite. For the warmth of its welcome, the authenticity of its wines, and the delicious food at its inn, La Madone is a delightful stop in Beaujolais.
Jancis Robinson
Wine rated 16.5/20
Rated winery (2022 guide) Recommended
Concours International du Gamay
Wine awarded a Gold Medal
Customer rating
3.8/5
based on 21 reviews
Review by Mr. OLIVIER P. Posted on September 19, 2023
An excellent wine, full-bodied yet refined, well-integrated, and ready to drink.
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Review by Mr. JAMES C. Posted on April 18, 2023
It was smooth, but offered little else.
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Review by Mr. Gilles D. Published on December 1, 2021
In its elegant bottle, this quintessential Fleurie is rich and full of finesse right from the first sip. It reveals a lovely, supple texture that caresses the palate. It has a beautiful, full-bodied tannic finish where pleasant flavors of redcurrants and blueberries linger. The wine has undeniable presence on the palate and is certainly dense. It is smooth and well-balanced between richness, velvety texture, and minerality. At its peak, this approachable and easy-drinking cuvée was a delight at 15°C, paired with roasted veal roulades, a black trumpet mushroom sauce, and pilaf rice. Rating = 3.8.
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Review by Mr. CLAUDE C. Posted on 02/25/2025
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Review by Mr. FLORIAN C. Posted on 10/15/2024
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Review by Mr. MARC B. Posted on September 2, 2024
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Review by Mr. VAN DEN YNDEN A. Published on 10/08/2023
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Review by Mr. ALEXANDRE P. Posted on September 23, 2023
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Review by Mr. ETIENNE M. Published on August 1, 2023
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Review by Mr. BENOIT L. Published on May 12, 2023
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