Beaujolais Breakthrough: Decanter’s 97 Point “Best in Show” Winner
This year, Domaine du Mont Verrier and their 2023 Morgon ‘Janin’ has just been crowned with Decanter’s coveted “Best in Show” award. Out of thousands of wines tasted from across the globe, only 50 receive this ultimate distinction—placing this Morgon firmly among the world’s elite.
What makes this achievement all the more remarkable is the price. While the honor ranks it alongside blue-chip names from Burgundy, Bordeaux, and beyond, the bottle itself remains astonishingly accessible. This is the kind of value that reminds us why Beaujolais—when grown on the best terroirs and crafted with patience—can rival the very best.
Domaine du Mont Verrier is no newcomer to quality. The estate, located just outside Lyon, has roots dating back to the 17th century. Their historic manor and surrounding vineyards have long been dedicated to showcasing the potential of Gamay, with a focus on tradition, sustainability, and meticulous care of their vines. The “Janin” bottling comes from Morgon, arguably Beaujolais’ most celebrated cru, famed for its depth and Burgundian finesse.
In the glass, the 2023 Morgon ‘Janin’ delivers everything the judges at Decanter praised: vibrancy of fruit, remarkable balance, and the kind of layered complexity that suggests both immediate pleasure and the ability to age gracefully.
For those who love discovering hidden gems before they become household names, this is an unmissable opportunity: a wine with world-class recognition and a price that makes it one of the smartest buys of the year..
97 Points, Decanter, Best In Show
After the success of two Beaujolais cru wines for the first time in last year’s Best in Show, we were curious to see if this year’s competition brought new candidates … and it did. The wine that emerged on top this year was, once again, a Morgon: not always the deepest of the crus but rarely the lightest either, and a zone whose differing soils and slopes seem to bring Gamay unique levels of fruited energy and definition. This dark cru wine is ultra-fresh and combines black cherry notes with deep, meaty depths. On the palate, the wine is voluminous yet enticing, with very soft, accessible tannins; sappy freshness and vivid fruit, though, give it impact and strike. The meatier depths bode well, too, for further bottle maturation.