Château du Moulin-à-Vent : Les Vérillats 2022

Hailing from shallow granite sand soils, the 2022 Moulin-à-Vent Les Vérillats offers a medium to full-bodied profile, marked by notes of black cherry, mountain berries, spice, white pepper and a tracing of graphite. This is a wine of breadth, with broad shoulders and a framework of finely textured, powdery tannins that provide a gentle grip at the edges of the palate, aptly sized to the weight of the fruit.

Notes of wild forest berries, plum and licorice offer an alluring profile, held upright by a firm mineral spine in this creamy, polished version. Singed herbs, warm soil and sandalwood smoke linger on the bold finish, which is smoky and nicely salty. Drink now through 2030. 823 cases made, 50 cases imported.

A lively, sharp and linear Beaujolais with aromas of sour cherries, frozen raspberries and warm spices, following through to a medium body with fine tannins. Peppery and focused, with a crisp stream of berries mingling with the spices. Vibrant and full of verve. Drink or hold.