Jean-Marc Burgaud, Morgon Côte du Py, Beaujolais, France, 2023

Overview of the Wine
Jean-Marc Burgaud founded his domaine in 1989. 19 hectares total -13 ha in Morgon, 5 ha in Beaujolais Villages, and 1 ha in Regnie. Jean-Marc has said that this is the maximum for him, it's possible to grow bigger, it's important to stay precise. Using traditional methods of viticulture, eschewing the using of chemical fertilizers or insecticides, respecting the land, plowing the soil, harvesting by hand, Jean-Marc does not care about being certified organic, but follows what needs to be done to grow the finest grapes. 

He likes to get his hands dirty, and spends 80% of his time in the vineyard and the cellar. 65% of his sales are export, which he is happy about. 'It's important that if you write your name on the label that you work in the vineyard,' he says. 'I have two employees but I work with them.'

Burgaudâs wines are quite structured and yet they avoid being overpowering or too extracted. He works in quite a reductive way, and young these wines can show a bit of matchstick/mineral/spice reduction, but this sets them up nicely for some ageing. I really loved his 2014s, which show a sense of place. The Côte du Py Javernières, which has the most alluvial soils in this climate, is sensational, as is the special bottling called Jamesâ, which is from the top of the south side.

Grape / Blend
Gamay

Origin
Beaujolais, France

Winemaker's Tasting Notes
One of the regions most dependable, organic wines. It has notes of cassis, berry fruit, spices, and rose petals. Medium bodied, with excellent structure, and long finish.

92-94 Points - Vinous
The 2023 Morgon Côte du Py is the blend from six hectares of parcels from various contour lines upon the hill. It has a complex bouquet with mineral-driven red fruit, hints of iodine and pressed violet, wonderfully defined and focused. The palate is medium-bodied with a sapid entry and firm backbone, but this exudes tension and energy. Veins of blood orange run through the composed and persistent finish. Wonderful. Drink: 2027-2042. (Apr 2024)

91-92 Points -Jasper Morris
Almost black centre, with a lively purple rim. This is concentrated, well muscled, with its usual austere backbone, a complete Py for the medium term – and maybe longer. Certainly this is a very persistent Morgon. 13.9% alcohol. Drink from 2027-2032. Tasted: February 2024.

Product size: 750ml