Desvignes, Louis-Claude 2023 Morgon Chateau Gaillard

Château Gaillard is a lieu-dit in the NE corner of Morgon in the climat of Douby, along the Fleurie border. Desvignes used to include this 1.03-hectare plot of 80-year-old, south-facing vines in their entry-level "La Voûte Saint-Vincent," but its strong old-vine character warranted its separation starting in 2020. The vines are planted on sandy granite soils, are certified-organic and harvested by hand. We loved the 2022 and the 2023 is again superb, perhaps with a bit more density and darker fruit than the 2022. "The palate is medium-bodied with fine-boned tannins, very focused, gaining density toward the finish with a dash of black pepper that prolongs length. Outstanding. (Drink between 2026-2039)." Vinous