Stephane Aviron has adopted an almost radical return to tradition in Beaujolais: sustainable viticulture, extremely old vines and classic Burgundian techniques. His cru Beaujolais drink like fine Burgundy.

The StarDozen consists of the following:

3 bottles     Stephane Aviron Beaujolais Cote de Brouilly 2021
3 bottles     Stephane Aviron Beaujolais Morgon Cote-du-Py 2021
3 bottles     Stephane Aviron Fleurie Vieilles Vignes 2022
3 bottles     Stephane Aviron Beaujolais Villages 2022

Stephane Aviron Beaujolais Cote de Brouilly 2021
The Cote du Brouilly comes from several parcels in the south and the west. The majority of the blend comes from vines averaging 60+ years old facing southwest on poor soils while the rest is off younger vines (45+ years) faces due south. Here we see a 50/50 combo of steel tank and large, very old foudre for the elevage. The parcels are vinified separately and blended before bottling.

Depth and layered complexity are this wine's calling card. The wine has a nose of dried cranberry, Darjeeling tea, white peach, strawberry and red cherry. On the palate, the Côte de Brouilly has a core of just-ripened fruit and velvety tannin. Give the wine 30 minutes to open in your glass if you're drinking now. The bottle will continue to improve with age. Rating: 93 Points; Wine Enthusiast

Stephane Aviron Beaujolais Morgon Cote-du-Py 2021
The Morgon comes off old vines located on the slopes of an extinct volcano near the village of Morgon. Stephane avoids the use of carbonic maceration here. This is from a number of separate plots and much like the Brouilly, each is vinified separately before blending and bottling. While this is the most concentrated and structured of his crus, Stephane's light touch can be seen in the pristine and vibrant fruit.

Aromatics on the nose expand on the palate. A fragrant nose welcomes you along with rich black fruit and blackberry, boysenberry puree, blueberry, black raspberry compote, apricot, white blossom and red plum. The wine is joyful on the palate with black tea and forest floor lending added depth. If you are a black-tea drinker who enjoys plump red wines, this bottle is your jam. Rating: 93 Points; Wine Enthusiast

Stephane Aviron Fleurie Vieilles Vignes 2022
From vines of between 40 and 80 years of age located on the steep slopes of the famed La Madone vineyard, this cru Beaujolais has a fine, perfumed bouquet and plenty of freshness. The texture is silky, with a pure, juicy finish.

Review on the 2021: Experience the savory side of Fleurie. This wine presents a bouquet of blackberry, sage brush and dill, roasted coffee beans, black cherry, forest floor and red currant. Black fruit takes the lead on the palate with pleasing herbal tea notes running underneath along with dried mushroom and violet blossom. Pair with simply prepared meats and savory dishes. Wine Enthusiast

Stephane Aviron Beaujolais Villages 2022
Source from 50+ year-old vines in a lieu-dit named “Les Monthieux,” located in the commune of Lantignie, considered some of the finest land in Beaujolais villages. The wine is semi-carbonic with whole cluster ferment and aged in large, old puncheons and fermented in cement tank to retain freshness and purity.

Review on the 2021: This is a hearty Beaujolais Villages that is brimming with end-of-summer fruit. The wine opens with cranberry, dried red cherry, strawberry and red currant. Wet stone rides under ripe red fruit with grippy tannins holding court through to the finish. Drink now or hold as the wine could continue to develop with more time in bottle. Wine Enthusiast