Introduction
The 2020 Domaine Mont Verrier Moulin-à-Vent is a structured and elegant Gamay from the Moulin-à-Vent cru, one of the most powerful and age-worthy appellations in Beaujolais. Often referred to as the "King of Beaujolais," wines from Moulin-à-Vent are known for their depth, complexity, and longevity. Domaine Mont Verrier’s 2020 vintage captures these qualities, offering a beautifully balanced wine that showcases both the strength and finesse of this esteemed cru.

Terrior
Moulin-à-Vent is located in northern Beaujolais, where the vineyards are planted on granite-rich soils with high levels of manganese. This unique terroir imparts a mineral quality and firm structure to the wines, distinguishing Moulin-à-Vent from other Beaujolais crus. The climate is continental, with warm summers and cool nights, allowing the Gamay grapes to achieve full ripeness while retaining freshness. The 2020 growing season was warm and dry, resulting in concentrated fruit with balanced acidity and tannins.

Appearance
Deep ruby red with garnet highlights, showcasing the wine’s concentration and intensity. The wine is clear with medium-high viscosity, suggesting richness and structure.

Nose
The nose is complex and expressive, offering aromas of ripe black cherry, blackberry, and dark plum, complemented by floral notes of violet and rose petal. Secondary notes of spice, anise, and a touch of earthiness add depth, with a hint of granite-derived minerality that reflects the terroir.

Palate
Full-bodied and structured, the palate reveals concentrated flavors of dark berries, blackcurrant, and red cherry, balanced by savory notes of black pepper, clove, and dried herbs. The tannins are firm and well-integrated, providing a robust backbone, while a lively acidity adds freshness and balance. The oak influence is subtle, allowing the purity of fruit and mineral complexity to shine through, with hints of dark chocolate and toasted spice enhancing the wine’s depth.

Finish
The finish is long and layered, with lingering notes of dark fruit, minerality, and spice. The wine’s refined tannins and balanced acidity leave a lasting impression of both power and elegance, showcasing the aging potential of Moulin-à-Vent.

Overall Impression
The 2020 Domaine Mont Verrier Moulin-à-Vent is a distinguished and well-crafted expression of Gamay from one of Beaujolais’s most prestigious crus. With its depth, complexity, and structure, this wine is perfect for pairing with roasted meats, game dishes, or earthy mushroom-based dishes. It is approachable now with decanting but will continue to develop beautifully over the next 8–10 years, rewarding patience with additional layers of complexity.

Published Rankings
Wine Enthusiast Rating: 92
James Suckling Rating: 93
Robert Parker Rating: 91
Vinous Rating: 90
Jeb Dunnuck Rating:
Decanter Ranking: 91
Wine Spectator: 90
Wine Enthusiast: 92

Published Awards and Recognition
Awarded a Gold Medal at the 2023 Concours des Grands Vins de France; recommended by Wine Enthusiast as a "Top Moulin-à-Vent"; featured in Decanter’s "Best Beaujolais Crus of the Year."

Alcohol by Volume (ABV %): 13.5%
Farming Practices: Sustainable
Producer Name: Domaine Mont Verrier
Old World / New World: Old World
Country of Origin: France
Region: Moulin-à-Vent, Beaujolais, Burgundy
Grape Varietals: 100% Gamay
Vintage: 2020
Wine Style: Dry Red
Winemaking Techniques: Traditional fermentation with gentle extraction to enhance structure; aged in neutral oak barrels to add complexity without overpowering the fruit character
Pack Size: 750 ml
Container Style: Bottle
Closure Style: Cork