Website: https://www.loron.fr/en/domaine/chateau-bellevue-en-2/
Maison Jean Loron possess 150 hectares of land (either owned or managed) located in Beaujolais and Bourgogne (Maconnais), inclusive of vineyards in seven of the ten crus. The belief is that from specific terroirs, Gamay can age well, hence, they have stocked 30,000 bottles from the pre-2000 vintages in their cellars. Property owned by them includes Château Bellevue in Villie-Morgon, boasting of 15 hectares of vine estate, from where three of the sampled wines originated.
Jean Loron ‘Jean’ Chardonnay 2023 Vin de France
It has 13% alcohol content with attractive primary aromas of pear drops and citrus leading up to a rounded palate. This gives off sweet pear and lemon taste with undertones of mandarin, and a slight twist of aniseed. The fruits are quite pleasant here with a fine spicy edge. 88/100
Jean Loron ‘Jean’ Gamay Noir 2022 Vin de France
The alcohol content is slightly higher at 13.5%. It renders appealing ripe cherry and berry fruits with a slightly stony, savory side, inclusive of slight woody hints. Despite the well-balanced and appealing fruit, it has flavors reminiscent of alternative oak products (even though it’s mentioned that only stainless steel maturation is used on the website), with a hint of clove on the finish, which is a bit of a distraction. I wonder if it’s a form of reduction. 84/100
Jean Loron ‘Jean’ Pinot Noir 2023 Vin de France
13.5% alcohol. This fruity wine delivers flavors of bright cherries, redcurrant, and plum. It has an appealing juicy fruitiness with lovely Pinot features, ending with a slight sweetness and touch of spice. Score: 88/100
Château Bellevue Beaujolais ‘Princesse Lieven’, Pierres Dorees 2022 France
13% alcohol. An organic wine grown in clay limestone soils dating back 172 million years. It exhibits a fine, mineral quality with a core of pear, ripe apple, and white peach flavors. The texture is pleasant and chalky. It’s a ripe yet balanced Chardonnay packed with detail. Score: 92/100
Château Bellevue Morgon Côte du Py 2019 Beaujolais, France
14% alcohol. This wine captivates with its intriguing savoury, metallic, bloody edge accompanying the sweet black fruits. The taste reveals a grainy, grippy structure and firmness that blends well. It leans towards the stern side, epitomizing classic Côte du Py, with excellent ageing potential. It’s gratifying, mainly because of its savoury, firm style. Score: 92/100
Château Bellevue Morgon Les Charmes 2021 Beaujolais, France
13% alcohol. The wine entices with a hint of spicy reduction and sweet black cherry fruits on the nose, adding a slightly savoury character. The palate is fresh and vibrant, demonstrating good concentration with acidity supporting juicy black cherry fruit. It’s firm yet alluring, with a smoky, spicy tinge to the juicy fruits. Score: 93/100