George Descombes Beaujolais Morgon 2019

Georges Descombes' Morgon is 100% Gamay sourced from roughly 7.5 hectares of hilly parcels in the Morgon cru, centered on Villié-Morgon. The soils are predominantly decomposed granite and schist — the weathered, iron-rich geology locals call "rotten rock" — which gives Morgon its signature earthy depth and structure compared to lighter Beaujolais crus. Grapes are hand-harvested in whole clusters and fermented with native yeasts via semi-carbonic maceration in large cement, fiberglass, and stainless steel vats.

The wine is aged in a mix of vat and large wood foudres for approximately one year before bottling with a minimal addition of sulfur and a light, non-sterile filtration. Descombes holds the wine longer in élevage than most of his peers, a deliberate choice when working without heavy sulfur intervention. The 2019 vintage delivered lush, ripe fruit across Beaujolais, and in this wine that translates to a full, fruit-forward palate with silky tannins and sustained acidity.

Expect aromas of black cherry, violet, and red currant with hints of earth and kirsch. The palate is round and juicy with a savory undercurrent and a clean, mineral finish characteristic of Morgon's decomposed-schist terroir.