Château des Bachelards - Saint-Amour 2022

Bettane & Desseauve

About the estate:

Formerly a vineyard owned by the monks of Cluny, Château des Bachelards spans 12 hectares, 6 of which are located in Fleurie, forming a single contiguous plot surrounding the château; the remainder is 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—traits 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 reserved for great wines?

Decanter

About the wine:

A lively nose, followed by a crisp, clean palate. Very typical of Saint-Amour, full of liveliness, elegance, and mineral notes, with a characteristic limestone freshness. Aromas of black cherries and plums, with hints of balsamic notes emerging. Structured and full-bodied, with silky, cashmere-like tannins, ideal for long aging. Seductive, long, and persistent, with bursts of red currant and cranberry, followed by a development into savory, meaty notes, almost like smoked charcuterie. Complex yet accessible.

RVF - La Revue du Vin de France / Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France

About the estate:

A graduate in oenology, Alexandra de Vazeilles acquired this lovely estate in 2014. She honed her skills at prestigious estates 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 density in her wines while maintaining true finesse. The winemaking process, which adapts to each vintage, allows for this.

Jancis Robinson

James Suckling

About the wine:

An enticing nose of red fruits and violets, with a hint of minty freshness. Beautiful concentration, a wide range of berry aromas, and an abundance of fine tannins make this a very impressive wine for one of the Beaujolais’s lesser-known crus. I particularly appreciate the richness on the mid-palate and the truly long, elegant, and silky finish. The slight hint of bitterness helps enhance this medium- to full-bodied wine. Made from grapes grown using biodynamic farming methods. Ready to drink now.