Château des Jacques Moulin-à-Vent 2020

Winery Background and History

Château des Jacques, located in the Moulin-à-Vent appellation of Beaujolais, is one of the region’s most prestigious estates. Acquired by Louis Jadot in 1996, it became one of the first major Beaujolais wineries to be owned by a Burgundy house. Since then, Château des Jacques has focused on showcasing the unique terroir of Moulin-à-Vent, emphasizing single-vineyard bottlings that highlight individual plot characteristics and elevating Gamay to a level comparable to top Burgundian Pinot Noir.

Producer and Winemaker

Under the direction of Louis Jadot, the estate is managed by a dedicated team of experienced winemakers, led by Technical Director Frédéric Barnier. The team uses a Burgundian approach to Gamay, combining meticulous vineyard care with traditional vinification techniques. Their aim is to produce serious, age-worthy wines that express the structure, finesse, and depth of their terroirs.

Vineyards and Microclimate

Château des Jacques owns over 80 hectares of vineyards in Moulin-à-Vent, an appellation renowned for its granite soils rich in manganese. These nutrient-poor soils naturally reduce vine vigor, resulting in low yields and intensely flavored grapes. The 2020 vintage benefited from an early budburst, a cool June, and hot July weather. Timely rain helped balance the heat, resulting in concentrated fruit with good acidity and structure.

Vinification & Aging Methods

The grapes were hand-harvested from eight different plots, followed by a slow fermentation lasting 3–4 weeks to maximize phenolic extraction. The wine was aged for 10 months in French oak barrels, with 50% being new oak. This barrel aging adds complexity, roundness, and aging potential while preserving the wine’s vibrant fruit.

Tasting Notes

The 2020 Château des Jacques Moulin-à-Vent shows aromas of plum, black cherry, wild strawberry, and blood orange, with subtle undertones of coffee and baking spices. On the palate, it is full-bodied and structured, with flavors of juicy red fruit, black tea, and mineral notes. Tannins are ripe but firm, leading to a long, satisfying finish.

Food & Wine Pairing

This wine pairs wonderfully with roast beef, lamb, game meats, or dishes featuring mushrooms and earthy flavors. It also complements aged cheeses such as Comté or aged Gouda. Its balance of acidity and tannin allows it to enhance hearty and flavorful meals.

Service Methods and Temperatures

Serve at 14–16°C (57–61°F). It is recommended to open or decant the wine about 30 minutes before serving to allow its bouquet to open up fully and its structure to soften slightly.

Storage and Aging Potential

This Moulin-à-Vent has excellent aging potential. When stored under proper conditions—cool, dark, and stable—it can evolve gracefully over 10+ years. With time, it will develop tertiary aromas of leather, dried herbs, and forest floor while retaining its core of fruit and structure.

Grape Varietals & Percentage Used

100% Gamay

ABV (Alcohol by Volume)

13.5%

Scores

• James Suckling: 93 points