The 2023 Chiroubles presents a vibrant medley of raspberries, blueberries and delicate hints of fresh-cut lilac and violet petals. Airy and round, this stands out as the most approachable of the lineup; the wine keeps you going back for more, particularly with its refreshingly salty finish. Domaine Lafarge-Vial, established by the Lafarge family in 2014, spans 6.5 hectares within Fleurie, Chiroubles and the Côte de Brouilly. The vines are farmed biodynamically under the Demeter certification. Mostly planted with old vines, the vineyards are worked with the goal of enriching the soil profiles, utilizing cover crops in the winter, 500P, 501 and herbal tea sprays. The domaine aims for refined, made-to-last Beaujolais, while still retaining the fruit's natural-born opulence. Thus, in the cellar, they opt to destem about 80% of the grapes, mostly by hand, after which the grapes undergo a two-week ambient yeast fermentation with daily pump-overs and a few punch-downs throughout. The wines are aged for 15 months in combinations of used 228- and 350-liter barrels and foudres sourced from the domaine in Volnay. The 2023s present a more polished and refined expression compared to the 2022s, exhibiting a slimmer, more dynamic profile while still capturing the beautifully luscious flavors all the same.

Medium purple. Cherry and fresh strawberry, vivid and energetic in the mouth, the fruit is almost fizzing, then fills out further behind with a long cherry fruit finish. Strict and sensual at the same time. Drink from 2026-2029. Tasted Dec 2024.

The 2023 Chiroubles, which is fully destemmed, has a fresh blackcurrant- and Morello cherry-scented bouquet. The palate is sweet and ripe on the entry with candied red fruit, crisp acidity and a harmonious, silky smooth finish. This is drinking perfectly now but will give several years' drinking pleasure.(NM)