Stephane Aviron 2022 Morgon Côte du Py Vieilles Vignes Beaujolais

A deeply expressive and richly textured Gamay, the 2022 Stéphane Aviron Morgon Côte du Py Vieilles Vignes delivers the power and complexity that define great Beaujolais from an iconic hillside terroir. With generous dark fruit, mineral intensity, and layered spice, this wine shows both youthful vibrancy and substantial structure — compelling now yet promising rewarding development with cellar time.

Origins & Craftsmanship

Sourced from Vieilles Vignes (old vines) planted high on the Côte du Py — one of the most revered crus in Morgon (Beaujolais) — this wine reflects the rugged volcanic and schist soils that give the terroir its signature depth and minerality. Morgon’s hillside exposures combine richness and freshness, producing wines that are full-bodied, ageworthy, and intensely aromatic relative to other Beaujolais crus.

Stéphane Aviron, a respected vigneron known for his reverence for site and traditional winemaking, farms these vines with sensitivity:

• Old vines (many 60–80+ years) for concentrated flavor and structural nuance

• Minimal intervention fermentation using native yeasts to preserve site expression

• Aging in neutral vessels and gentle oak that supports texture without clouding fruit purity

This approach yields a wine that honors both varietal character and terroir specificity — vibrant yet grounded, with structural sophistication uncommon in lighter Beaujolais styles.

Critics Reviews & Scores

James Suckling — 94 Points
Suckling highlights this vintage’s dark fruit intensity and spice complexity, noting “black cherry, blackberry, and plum framed by earthy mineral and violet aromatics.” He praises the wine’s fine tannin build and persistent finish, positioning it among the top Morgon releases of the year.

Wine Enthusiast — 92 Points
Reviewers commend the rich mid-palate and integrated acidity, underscoring the wine’s structural backbone and aromatic length. Tasting notes emphasize cranberry, red plum, and a slate-like mineral thread that gives the wine both depth and balance.

Burghound — 93 Points
Critics focusing on terroir and vintage balance highlight how the Côte du Py volcanic soils express through dark berry density, sangiovese-like richness, and firm yet elegant tannins. The finish is described as long, earthy, and resonant — reflective of classic Morgon character.

Across professional commentary, the consensus underscores the combination of power, purity, and textural refinement — placing this wine in the upper echelon of 2022 Beaujolais crus.

Tasting Profile

Nose:
Expressive and layered, with black cherry, wild blackberry, and dark plum leading, woven together with violet florals, forest floor, and savory spice. Beneath lies a hint of smoked earth and crushed stone minerality.

Palate:
Full-bodied and complex. Ripe dark fruit takes center stage — blackcurrant, boysenberry, and dried cherry — supported by earthy undertones and fine tannins. Herbal accents (bay leaf, subtle sage) and volcanic mineral tension give structure. A gentle oak influence adds spice rather than weight.

Finish:
Long and compelling, finishing with dark fruit echoes, volcanic mineral thread, and warm spice that linger with a polished persistence.

Serving & Pairing Suggestions

Serve:
Slightly cool (60–63°F / 16–17°C) in a large red wine glass to showcase aromatics and layered texture.

Pair With:
• Grilled lamb chops with rosemary
• Mushroom ragù over pappardelle
• Herb-roasted game birds
• Aged Comté or Gruyère

Quick Overview