Domaine des Nugues - Moulin-à-Vent 2022

Gilles Gelin is part of this young generation of Beaujolais winemakers who produce a substantial volume of wines of impeccable quality. In the 2016 vintage, we noticed a shift in the wines’ style—they’ve become more delicate, with greater aromatic precision. This style is confirmed in 2017. The wines are medium-bodied and perfectly balanced. They’re reliable and a pleasure to drink. What more could you ask for?

Full-bodied and tannic, with aromas of ripe strawberries, crisp cranberries, and nutmeg. The oak dominates at first, but the wine then finds its balance, offering a harmonious fruity depth, counterbalanced by refreshing acidity, a chalky texture, and a mineral finish.

The son and grandson of winemakers, Gérard Gelin acquired the Clos des Nugues in 1976, before going into business with his son Gilles. Located in the northern Beaujolais region, on the border of the Moulin-à-Vent, Fleurie, and Morgon appellations, the estate now spans nearly 30 hectares. The average age of the vines is around 45 years, with some Gamay vines even dating back more than a century.

Located at the crossroads of various wine regions, the Gelin family primarily produces Beaujolais and Beaujolais-Villages wines. A few plots in Morgon (1 hectare) and Fleurie (6 hectares) round out a range that extends from VDF to homemade crème de cassis. The wines resemble their creator, Gilles Gelin: rich in color with fruity tannins, they reveal their character over time. His white wine is a reliable Chardonnay from Beaujolais-Villages, which he continues to plant on suitable land. His Gamay shows off the excellence of the Lancié terroir when cultivated with controlled yields.

The 2022 Moulin-à-Vent had a more closed nose than the Fleurie, which made it difficult to appreciate. On the palate, it is medium-bodied, assertive, and exuberant, with rich tannins and a hint of spice on the finish. Best enjoyed within the next five to seven years.

A well-balanced, precise, and juicy Gamay, with aromas of cherries, candied raspberries, stones, and leaves on the nose. Medium-bodied, with fine tannins. Succulent and crisp, with a precise succession of juicy wild berries and a lively, flavorful finish. Ready to drink now.