2022 Julien Sunier Fleurie, Beaujolais

Fresh, supple and elegant with lovely direct raspberry and cherry fruit. Really fine with nice tannin and intensity.

95 points Jamie Goode wineanorak.com

I know my claret from my Beaujolais. Dark cherry, liquorice, floral notes, a smoky damp earth character, spice. It’s firm with a slurry of stony tannin, kind of gamey and wild, but the dark fruit and texture here carries it along, as does the fine ‘mineral’ line of acidity. The finish is smoky, but also sweet in dark berry fruit. It opens up and builds weight and perfume with some time in glass (or decanter), revealing rose petals, sour cherry and raspberry. Yes, it’s a little rustic, but I really like it

94 points Gary Walsh winefront.com.au

Julien Sunier Fleurie is a beautifully lifted and floral expression of Gamay from one of Beaujolais' most graceful crus. Known for its elegance and perfume, Fleurie is often considered the most delicate of the ten crus, and Sunier captures that spirit perfectly with a wine that is light on its feet but full of nuance and charm.

Sourced from old vines grown high on the granitic slopes of Fleurie, the fruit benefits from altitude, cool nights, and sandy decomposed pink granite soils. These elements help create a wine with bright acidity, fine tannins, and a strikingly mineral backbone. Julien farms organically and biodynamically, allowing the vineyard to dictate the style without heavy-handed techniques.

Winemaking follows Sunier’s signature natural approach. The fruit undergoes semi-carbonic maceration with native yeasts, then ages in old Burgundy barrels for several months. There is no fining or filtration and minimal sulphur at bottling, resulting in a wine that’s vibrant, honest, and deeply expressive of place.

In the glass, expect aromas of wild strawberry, rose petal, pomegranate, and crushed granite. The palate is juicy and finely textured with red fruit purity, gentle spice, and a long, graceful finish that lingers with floral lift and mineral precision.

Julien Sunier Fleurie is a wine to serve slightly chilled, perfect with grilled salmon, roast chicken, or a plate of soft-rind cheeses. Elegant, pure, and full of quiet personality.