2024 Georges Duboeuf Beaujolais Villages, Beaujolais

A prototypical Beaujolais-Villages with stacks of red-cherry and strawberry aromas, also a hint of pomegranate. Attractive harmony of supple tannins with generous fruit on the well-rounded but barely medium-bodied palate. Harmonious, moderately dry finish that keeps giving you fruit. Drink now.

90 points James Suckling

Few people did more to put Beaujolais on tables around the world than Georges Duboeuf. Born into a winemaking family, he founded Les Vins Georges Duboeuf in 1964 and became affectionately known as the “King of Beaujolais”. His colourful labels and enthusiasm for Gamay helped transform the region’s international reputation. Today the family continues his work, and the Beaujolais Villages remains one of the most accessible introductions to the Duboeuf style.

The Villages appellation draws from the hillier northern part of Beaujolais, where granite based soils and elevation generally give Gamay more perfume, concentration and structure than basic Beaujolais. The 2024 vintage produced a fresher, more classical expression after several warmer years, making this all about juicy red fruit, fragrance and easy drinking charm. A slight chill will make it even more irresistible.

Bright purple ruby, with raspberry, red cherry and strawberry jumping from the glass. Violet and peony add perfume, followed by a little blood orange, white pepper and fresh thyme. The palate is light to medium bodied, juicy and supple, with crunchy cherry and raspberry fruit, lively acidity and barely there tannins. A little pepper and orange peel keep the finish bright and savoury.

Char siu pork would be terrific, alongside Peking duck pancakes, mushroom and Gruyère toasties, grilled chicken with mustard and herbs or tuna tataki with sesame. Our pick is the char siu, particularly with the Beaujolais served lightly chilled. Juicy Gamay and sticky, caramelised pork is dangerously easy drinking territory.

Cellaring: Drink now to 2029.