Paul et Eric Janin: 2010 Moulin-à-Vent from One of Beaujolais Finest Growers

“If any Beaujolais can outlast a dog and grow in stature with the years, it is the wine grown on the crunchy, rust-pink sands which anchor this windmill, this moulin-à-vent.” Andrew Jefford, The New France.

“The Janin’s estate is one of the leading lights of the Romaneche-Thorins. Its manicured vineyards are predominantly planted in manganese-rich soils that emphasize the wines’ spicy, very original taste of terroir and improve their ageing potential. Under Eric’s influence, more of the wines are now aged in wood – and very successful it is too.” Bettane & Desseauve’s Guide to the Wines of France.   

Every time we taste with this quiet, esteemed grower we seem to leave with the same conclusion: Eric Janin has again enhanced the quality of his already exceptional wines. These generously flavoured Cru Beaujolais deservedly command a strong following among our clientele yet even those accustomed to the high-quality this Domaine delivers year-in year-out, will be thrilled with the remarkable quality of the 2010 wines. They are intense yet fine, displaying an energy and elegance that contrasts strongly with the decidedly richer and more tannic 2009s. Even the grower himself, who is notoriously self critical, managed a wry smile when discussing the merits of the 2010 vintage.

For those new to this grower or for those yet to be seduced by the myriad charms of top shelf Cru Beaujolais, let us say this; wines crafted from old bush vines on the steep, granitic and manganese-laden slopes of Moulin-à-Vent can be some of the most concentrated, intensely aromatic and structured wines of the entire region. When you factor in the old vine holdings and a fastidious, organic... learn more