"The Fleurie Madone Vieilles Vignes 2023 has an exuberant nose of violet petals, blueberry, cherry, licorice, and spices. On the palate, it is medium-bodied to full-bodied, with a supple, fruity core guided by powdery, well-integrated tannins that lend it a touch of refinement. Its upward trajectory unfolds effortlessly, with fluid sophistication. This is Fleurie at its best, executed with precision and elegance." (Wine Advocate 2025)
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Eye
Deep ruby red with purple hues
Nose
Ripe with hints of red fruit, subtly peppery
Mouth
Rich and supple on the attack, velvety, with a focus on fruit
Serve
At 13-15°C
Open
1 hour in advance for young vintages
Drink before
2031
Guard
8 years
Food and wine pairings
Enjoy with veal blanquette, Bresse chicken with cream sauce, rack of lamb with thyme flowers...
Bettane & Desseauve
Winery rated 2 stars (A serious and recommendable production, but a little more consistent 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 very consistent range of elegant and balanced Fleurie wines. Arnaud, Jean-Pierre Després' son, created the Niagara estate in 2005. This year, he is set to take over the family estate and manage the entire operation. This is a daunting task on a famous but challenging vineyard. The latest 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
Rated estate (2022 guide) Award-winning wines (This producer's wines are regularly recognized by the guide)
About the estate:
Settled since 1984 with his wife Maryse, Jean-Marc Després, one of the leaders of Fleurie, handed over his estate in 2018 to his son Arnaud, who now manages 18 hectares near an iconic location in the appellation: the Chapel of Our Lady. Another label: Dom. du Niagara.
Robert Parker - Wine Advocate
Wine rating (2025 guide) 92/100 (Outstanding wine)
About wine:
The Fleurie Madone Vieilles Vignes 2023 has an exuberant nose of violet petals, blueberry, cherry, licorice, and spices. On the palate, it is medium-bodied to full-bodied, with a supple fruit core guided by powdery, well-integrated tannins that lend it a touch of refinement. Its upward trajectory unfolds effortlessly, with fluid sophistication. This is the quintessential expression of Fleurie, executed with precision and elegance. Again, cellar it for a few years or open it a few hours in advance.
RVF - La Revue du Vin de France / Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France
Rated estate (2022 guide) Selected (Please note that this guide is a ranking and, as such, all the estates listed in it, even those without stars, represent, in our opinion, the excellence of French production.)
About the estate:
Jean-Marc Després is a discreet winemaker who speaks to you with his eyes... and with his wines! His son Arnaud joined him in 2005. He took over his great-grandfather's vineyards, which he distributes under the Domaine Niagara label, modified the vine management and planted new plots, including Viognier on granite. With its warm welcome, honest wines, and delicious food, La Madone is a delightful stop in Beaujolais.
Jancis Robinson
Rated estate (2022 guide) Recommended
James Suckling
Wine rated (2025 guide) 91/100
About wine:
Aromas of violet, strawberry, and rosemary. Medium-bodied, very fresh and lively, with herbaceous tannins and a fresh, tight finish. Best enjoyed from 2026 onwards.
Customer rating
3.3/5
based on 3 reviews
Note and opinion by Mr. GILLES D. Published on 06/25/2025
A resounding success, this Fleury 2023 shines with its sunny character, spherical quality, and concentration on the palate, which contrast with its great suppleness, beautiful freshness, and incredible smoothness. The structure, underscored by a subtle minerality, is enveloped by tender, slightly oily tannins that are perfectly velvety and allow the brightness and purity of beautiful, crisp, slightly spicy red fruits to express themselves. The savory finish impresses with its intensity, rounded off by a hint of cocoa. It has all the assets for comfortable aging. Although still young, this model for the Fleurie appellation is already a real delight with Bresse poultry in a fresh morel sauce. Rating = 4.4.
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Note and opinion by Mr. PIERRE R. Published on 07/21/2025
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Review and opinion by Mr. BENOIT L. Published on 03/15/2025
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