By Yohan Lardy
Cru Chenas 2023 Lieu-Dits Les Deschamps

Estate
Raised in a winemaking family - his father, Lucien Lardy, is a respected vigneron in Fleurie - Yohan pursued oenological studies in Beaune and gained international experience working with a biodynamic producer in Chile. Upon returning to Beaujolais, he founded his domaine with 2 hectares of old vines in the prestigious "Les Michelons" climat of Moulin-a-Vent, with plantings dating back to 1911 and 1950. He has since expanded his holdings to approximately 7 hectares, including parcels in Fleurie, Chenas, and Beaujolais-Villages. Yohan avoids herbicides, relies on manual labor for vineyard work, and uses natural fertilizers.

Terroir
Chenas is the smallest of the ten Beaujolais crus, covering approximately 240 hectares. The vineyard is characterized by soils that contribute to the mineral complexity of the wines.

Winemaking
Yohan practices manual harvesting and whole-bunch fermentation with native yeasts, avoiding sulfur during fermentation. The wines are aged in Burgundy barrels for about 8-10 months to achieve a balance between fruit and tannins.

Profile
Chenas wines are renowned for producing structured, aromatic wines from the Gamay grape, often exhibiting notes of peony, black fruits, and spices. "Les Deschamps" is a fruity and floral wine with more earthy depth and grip. Slightly spicier, with notes of dried roses, and herbs. Great for drinkers who want floral complexity with a bit more backbone.

Food Pairing
Enjoy with roasted or grilled meats, lamb shank, beef, or pork dishes, hearty stews, meat-based pasta dishes, earthy vegetables, hearty pizza dishes, and charcuterie boards, including pates, terrines, and saucisson.

Wine Details
Origin: Beaujolais
Appellation: Chenas
Varietal: 100% Gamay
Vineyard: 75-year-old vines
Soils: Granite, quartz, and manganese
Farming: Sustainably farmed, manual harvesting
Winemaking: Whole-bunch fermentation, aged in Burgundy barrels for 8-10 months
[Information provided by Serge Dore Selections]

Wine: Yohan Lardy Chenas Les Deschamps 2023
Score/Rating: 96
Suggested Drinking Window: Drink or hold
Review Date: 03/05/2024
Reviewed By: Stuart Pigott
Tasting Notes: You never heard of the appellation Chenas before? This is a good reason to learn the name, because it has terrific red-fruit character on the nose and front palate, then comes an intense stony minerality on the very focused medium-bodied palate. None of that quite prepares you for the wave of wild blackberry character that washes over you at the super-long and refreshing finish. [...]. Drink or hold.