Château du Moulin-À-Vent: vertical tasting 2010 to 2019

Located in the northern end of Beaujolais, Moulin-à-Vent has a reputation for being one of the best of the 10 Beaujolais Crus but also one that is structured, powerful and age worthy.

An intriguing vertical tasting (2010-2019) from the revitalised Château du Moulin-à-Vent confirmed the latter characteristic, while reaffirming that the age-old view of the appellation as a sturdy, traditional (and sometimes rustic) wine is in need of revision.

With investment in both vineyard and wineries, together with the arrival of a new generation of young winemakers, Moulin-à-Vent is emerging as a more elegant and refined example of the Gamay grape. Still capable of long-ageing, many wines are now perfumed, smooth on the palate and very pleasurable while young. And all of this is combined with price-points which are extremely attractive in the context of good Pinot Noir from Burgundy.

Scroll down to see scores and notes for the 2010-2019 vertical, plus four other Château du Moulin-à-Vent wines, including the 1976

The Moulin-à-Vent appellation comprises around 620 hectares, with around 300 producers and annual production of around 1.5 million bottles. Distinctly different from other well-known Beaujolais Crus such as Morgon and Fleurie, Moulin-à-Vent’s character is heavily influenced by the presence of decomposed, pink granitic soils which add to the wines fragrance when young but allow it to age for 10+ years when it develops many characters akin to Pinot Noir. The presence of manganese and iron oxides in certain locations are additional factors contributing to the appellation’s complex geology, with 69 lieux-dits named.