2022 Georges Duboeuf Chateau des Capitans Julienas, Beaujolais

This Julienas has a very appealing interplay of restrained tannins and red fruit character with a lot of subtle spicy and earthy nuances. Juicy on the front and middle of the medium-bodied palate, then the tannins build nicely at the long, moderately dry and lively finish. Drink or hold.

93 points jamessuckling.com

Georges Duboeuf Château des Capitans Juliénas is one of the jewels of the Beaujolais crus, coming from a historic estate that has been producing wine for centuries. Juliénas is known for wines with both charm and structure, and Château des Capitans is considered one of its most distinguished single-vineyard expressions. The south-facing slopes here are composed of granite mixed with clay and alluvial soils, providing excellent drainage and a mineral imprint that defines the wine’s character. The warm microclimate ensures fully ripe Gamay, while cool nights preserve the freshness essential to balance.

The Duboeuf winemaking team uses a careful balance of traditional Beaujolais semi-carbonic maceration and more Burgundian techniques, extracting depth and finesse without overpowering the fruit. Aromas of dark cherries, blackberries, and violets mingle with subtle spice, cedar, and earthy undertones. On the palate, it offers a generous, silky texture with fine tannins and an impressive core of ripe black fruit, finishing long with hints of licorice and minerality. This is a more structured Beaujolais, with the ability to age gracefully for 6–10 years, developing notes of dried flowers, forest floor, and truffle.

Pair it young with duck breast, herb-crusted lamb, or roast guinea fowl, where the vibrant fruit will complement the savoury flavours. With age, it shines alongside beef bourguignon, mushroom and lentil cassoulet, or mature Comté cheese. Its elegance and depth make it equally at home in a refined dinner setting or as the centrepiece of a rustic French-inspired feast.