2024 Yohan Lardy, Moulin-a-Vent Vieilles Vignes de 1903 - Magnum

Yohan Lardy is based in Fleurie, but this wine comes from a small old-vine parcel in Moulin-à-Vent planted in 1903. A combination of pink granite, quartz and manganese-rich soils gives this bottle darker fruit and more structure than its Fleurie counterparts. Lardy uses whole-cluster, semi-carbonic maceration for about 20 days followed by 12 months aging in a very old 3,000L foudre to allow the structure of the vines to shine. A cool, wet 2024 vintage produced lower yields and more concentrated grapes; Black cherry, violet and earth coalesce into a powerful, complex Gamay worth grabbing.This magnum is a great bottle for a table and serious enough to lay down in the cellar for years to come. It will only improve with time.