First release: Château des Jacques 2025

This is effectively Château des Jacques’ ‘village’ Moulin-à-Vent, a blend of the estate’s different single vineyards in this most esteemed of the Beaujolais crus – assembled by winemaker Julie Pitoiset after the single vineyard cuvées have been selected. As such, it provides a great snapshot of the vintage, a signature of which is generous fruit balanced with brilliant freshness. This can be approached earlier than the single vineyards but will also reward those who are patient enough to let it age for a while in bottle. Bramble and red-cherry aromas follow through from the nose to the palate, interwoven with subtle spice. There is a juiciness to the acidity, a lovely bright vitality that tempers the concentrated fruit. This feels medium-bodied in stature and wears its 14% lightly (as do all the wines in this selection). Drink from 2028 to 2035. 14%

Situated on the mid-slope of the lieu-dit of Les Thorins, Clos des Thorins has a southern exposure and slightly richer soils than its siblings. This vintage has, as is typical, yielded ripe, succulent red and black plum fruit encased in a fine, detailed tannin structure and supported by generous oak. What stands out is the spicy character to the fruit, often a trait of Les Thorins, which is regarded by many as the ‘grand cru’ of Moulin-à-Vent. Château des Jacques own around 5 hectares of the 20-25 hectare lieu-dit, comprising two parcels (one is c. 60 years’ old and one 30-35 years’ old). There is a lovely lick of liquorice and spice on the finish. Drink from 2029 to 2040. 14%

Drink from 2029 to 2036. 14%

Probably the jewel in Château des Jacques’ crown, Clos de Rochegrès sits at 360m elevation, just below the forest, and overlooks the appellation of Moulin-à-Vent. This extra altitude (it is 100m higher than any of the other single vineyards) gives it a cooler microclimate and thus a longer ripening window, fortuitous in warmer vintages and during the hot August of 2025, for example. With a spicy and floral perfume, this was instantly compelling when tasted from barrel in April and is just as captivating now it’s in bottle. Already so layered and complex, with wild red berries and Mediterranean herbs as well as an earthy savouriness and a distinct sapidity. Finely-woven, tightly-packed tannins provide an almost seamless mouthfeel; this has been remarkably complete and coherent since barrel stage but has years to go to reach its pinnacle. Always a wine of exceptional depth and authority, the length and resonance this vintage is superb. Drink from 2030 to 2040. 14%

Drink from 2032 to 2042. 14%

This iconic plot takes its name from the pink granite bedrock that outcrops beneath some of the driest sandy soils in the appellation. There is a ‘nervosity’ to La Roche – it is the tightest and most linear of the single vineyards this vintage. Since tasting from barrel, the fruit profile has shifted from predominantly black fruit to racy red fruit with a flash of pink grapefruit, too. At this second tasting, it shows the most intense mineral character of the selection, and has incredible density, with compact, still-firm tannins. Drink from 2030 to 2040. 14%

Clos du Grand Carquelin is a thing of beauty this vintage. Perfumed with peonies, dark cherries and wild plums, it’s immediately enchanting by its fragrance alone which then leads to a beautifully-textured palate. Even at barrel stage this was fluid and fine, and now – some six months later – supple, silky, layered tannins glide across the palate with a powdery tug on the back of the palate. Hedgerow fruit and a touch of pepper lead to a refreshing, almost juicy finish. Drink from 2029 to 2040. 13.5%

Drink from 2030 to 2035A six-bottle case containing two bottles of Moulin-à-Vent, Château des Jacques and one bottle of each of the following:Moulin-à-Vent Clos de Rochegrès, Château des JacquesMoulin-à-Vent Clos du Grand Carquelin, Château des Jacques Moulin-à-Vent La Roche, Château des Jacques Moulin-à-Vent Clos des Thorins, Château des Jacques

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