Size: 0.66 ha (1.63 ac)
Variety: Gamay
Vine Age: Planted in 1968
Terroir: Southeast-facing, on the slopes of Mont Brouilly, soils and bedrock of granite with blue rocks
Viticulture: Organic and biodynamic (awaiting certification)
Vinification: 25% whole cluster (in 2016), indigenous yeast fermentation in concrete tank, extraction by punch-downs and pump-overs depending on the vintage. One year aging in older 228 and 350-liter barrels, with racking in the spring. Becky Wasserman
"A more restrained nose features notes of ripe cherry, dark raspberry and subtle earth and spice wisps with a floral top note. There is more size, weight and power to the bigger-bodied flavors that culminate in a dusty, serious and manifestly built-to-age finale that exhibits excellent persistence. This too is terrific and worth your interest." Burghound
"The 2019 Côte de Brouilly unwinds in the glass with aromas of sweet berries, warm spices, loamy soil and potpourri. On the palate, it's medium to full-bodied, lively and tightly wound, with bright acids and powdery tannins that assert themselves on the finish. True to the Lafarge style, this is a classically balanced, age-worthy rendition of the appellation. The 2019s have turned out beautifully at Domaine Lafarge-Vial, bursting with fragrant fruit, finer boned and more ethereal in style than the 2018s at the same stage. Acquired in 2014 by Volnay's Frédéric Lafarge and his wife Chantal, née Vial, this four-hectare domaine is biodynamically farmed. The grapes are partially destemmed and fermented with punch-downs and pump-overs during the maceration, followed by pressing in a vertical press. Maturation is in well-used cooperage from the Domaine Lafarge in Volnay. The result is old-school cru Beaujolais, built to age. Any readers looking for Gamay that will, with time in bottle, converge with great Pinot Noir should look no further." Wine Advocate
