Yohan Lardy 'Les Michelons' Moulin-a-Vent, Beaujolais, France

Energy and terroir collide in the 2023 Yohan Lardy Moulin-à-Vent Les Michelons, a dazzling Cru Beaujolais that showcases both youthful vibrancy and old-vine gravitas. Sourced from Gamay vines planted as early as 1911 on the storied Les Michelons climat, this organically farmed wine channels the richness of pink granite, quartz, and manganese soils into a seamless expression of concentration, silk, and length. Awarded 97 points by Stuart Pigott for JamesSuckling.com, it is an eloquent reminder of why Moulin-à-Vent was once considered the “King of Beaujolais.”

Product Details:

• Varietal: 100% Gamay
• Vintage: 2023
• Alcohol: 13.5% ABV
• Vine Age: 40–110 years (planted 1911 & 1950)
• Soil: Pink granite, quartz, manganese-rich subsoil
• Elevation: 300 meters
• Harvest: Manual
• Vinification: Whole-cluster maceration (20 days), native yeast fermentation (12–14 days in concrete), aged 8 months in neutral oak, minimal SO₂ at bottling
• Production: ~1,600 cases
• Winemaker & Owner: Yohan Lardy

Sensory Description:

Explosive notes of red cherry, blackberry, and blueberry leap from the glass, layered with pepper, anise, and mineral undertones. The palate is both dense and creamy, weaving concentrated dark fruit with silky tannins and mouthwatering acidity. A long, seamless finish carries spice, subtle earth, and remarkable precision, underscoring its pedigree. This is Gamay in its most profound, terroir-driven form, simultaneously powerful and graceful.

Awards & Accolades:

• 97 Points – Stuart Pigott, JamesSuckling.com: “Explosive berry fruit right across the spectrum… extremely long and silky finish with fabulous balance and precision.”

Winemaker's Background:

A fifth-generation vigneron, Yohan Lardy established his own domaine in 2012 with a clear mission: to honor Beaujolais’s heritage through organic farming and minimal-intervention winemaking. His jewel is the 1-hectare Les Michelons vineyard in Moulin-à-Vent, where ancient Gamay vines thrive on granite and quartz soils. Yohan farms manually and biodynamically, encouraging biodiversity and eschewing chemicals. In the cellar, fermentations are spontaneous, whole-cluster, and aged in old Burgundy barrels, allowing the fruit and terroir to speak unimpeded. His wines balance purity and concentration with a vibrant, playful edge that reflects his own infectious energy.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve slightly cool at 60–62°F (16–17°C) in a Burgundy stem to highlight its aromatic complexity. An ideal match for red meats in sauce, game, and regional French dishes, it also pairs beautifully with spicy cuisine, aged goat cheese, and even dark chocolate desserts. With its structure and depth, this wine will reward cellaring but offers tremendous pleasure today.

The 2023 Yohan Lardy Moulin-à-Vent Les Michelons is a masterclass in Cru Beaujolais, combining history, minerality, and vitality in a wine that is as compelling now as it will be for decades to come.