Maison J.B Bachevillier 'La Croix Polage' Beaujolais Villages AOC 2023

This is estate-grown Gamay from Jean-Baptiste's single-handed operation where he manages everything from vineyard to bottle without chemicals or shortcuts. The pink granitic soils of Beaujolais-Villages give it a distinctive mineral edge that you won't find in mass-produced versions. His forest ecosystem approach with cover crops and natural pest control creates lower yields but significantly more concentrated flavours, resulting in wine with genuine terroir expression rather than industrial uniformity.

Serve this Gamay slightly chilled at around 14-16°C to highlight its fresh, vibrant character and soft tannin structure. The wine's light-bodied nature and crunchy red fruit profile make it perfect for casual drinking, but don't let that fool you - there's complexity here that rewards attention. Decanting isn't necessary, but opening it 30 minutes before serving allows the lifted aromatics to fully express themselves.

The earthy, raspberry and redcurrant flavours with mineral undertones make this incredibly food-friendly. Think charcuterie boards, roasted chicken with herbs, or mushroom-based dishes that echo the wine's earthy character. The soft tannins and medium body won't overpower lighter fare like salmon or pork tenderloin, while the natural acidity cuts through richer preparations beautifully.

This Beaujolais-Villages is drinking beautifully now and showcases the fresh, vibrant style that makes Gamay so appealing in its youth. While quality Beaujolais can age gracefully for 5-8 years, developing more complex earthy notes, this wine's charm lies in its current freshness and finesse. The 2023 vintage captures the pure fruit expression perfectly, so there's no need to wait - though it will certainly hold well if you choose to cellar some bottles.

A 4.2 Vivino rating across all vintages indicates consistently high quality from Domaine de Mont Joly, which is impressive for a small-scale producer. This rating reflects the boutique, hands-on approach where Jean-Baptiste's personal involvement in every aspect creates wines with distinctive character. The estate-grown designation means complete control over quality from vine to bottle, resulting in the kind of authentic, terroir-driven wines that serious wine lovers seek out and rate highly.