"The 2023 Fleurie Madone Vieilles Vignes offers 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. It is the quintessential expression of Fleurie, executed with precision and elegance.” (Wine Advocate 2025)
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Eye
Deep ruby color with violet hues
Nose
Ripe with notes of red berries, with a subtle peppery edge
Palate
Rich and smooth on the palate, velvety, with a focus on fruit
Serve
At 13-15°C
Open
1 hour ahead of younger vintages
Drink before
2031
Guard
8 years old
Food and wine pairings
Enjoy it with veal blanquette, Bresse chicken in cream sauce, or rack of lamb with thyme blossoms...
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
Rated estate (2022 guide) Award-winning wines (This producer’s wines are regularly recognized by the guide)
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.
Robert Parker - Wine Advocate
Wine rated (2025 guide) 92/100 (An outstanding wine)
About the wine:
The 2023 Fleurie Madone Vieilles Vignes offers 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. It is the quintessential expression of Fleurie, executed with precision and elegance. Again, age 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 here—even those without a star—represent, in our view, the pinnacle of French winemaking.)
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
Rated winery (2022 guide) Recommended
James Suckling
Wine rated (2025 guide) 91/100
About the wine:
Aromas of violets, strawberries, and rosemary. Medium-bodied, very fresh and lively, with herbaceous tannins and a crisp, tight finish. Best enjoyed starting in 2026.
Customer rating
4.3/5
based on 3 reviews
Review by Mr. Gilles D. Published on June 25, 2025
A resounding success, this 2023 Fleury shines with its sunny character, its rounded profile, and its concentration on the palate—all of which contrast beautifully with its great suppleness, lovely freshness, and incredible smoothness. The structure, underscored by a subtle minerality, is enveloped by soft, slightly rich tannins that are velvety to perfection, allowing the brilliance and purity of beautiful, crisp, slightly spicy red fruits to shine through. The savory finish impresses with its intensity, rounded by a hint of cocoa. It possesses all the qualities needed for comfortable aging. Although still youthful, this Fleurie is already a true delight paired with Bresse poultry in a fresh morel sauce. Rating = 4.4.
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Review by Mr. GILBERT N. Published on January 19, 2026
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Review by Mr. BENOIT L. Published on March 15, 2025
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