2022 Pierre-Marie Chermette Fleurie Poncié, Beaujolais

The Poncié cuvée—drawn from a beautiful 4.5-hectare site of 45-year-old vines on pink granite soils—is Chermette’s most seductive and graceful Cru bottling, especially when young. Poncié is one of a handful of celebrated highland terroirs along the ridge situated high above the village (Roche Guillon is another). The winemaking is traditional, with natural, whole bunch ferments in large concrete vats and aging in large old foudres. In 2020 this southeast-facing site has delivered a deep yet pretty, aromatic and spicy wine with fabulous freshness and drive.It feels like an age since we’ve tasted a Chermette Poncié as classic as this. It opens with that glorious perfume of fresh red fruit, vibrant floral and hints of pink pepper, leading to a seamless palate layered with perfectly pitched acidity, mineral tang and beautifully integrated powdery tannins. It finishes with a striking fan of flavour and, while you still get freshness, you’re also getting depth and length.