93 Points – Vinous

Jean Foillard is closely associated with the modern revival of serious, traditionally minded Beaujolais, and Côte du Py is the domaine’s defining Morgon bottling. The 2022 combines the warmth and generosity of the vintage with the mineral tension and structure of this celebrated hillside, resulting in a Gamay with considerably more depth and aging potential than its immediate charm might suggest.

Blend: 100% Gamay.

Tasting Notes: Black cherry, raspberry and ripe plum are layered with violet, licorice and cracked pepper, followed by earthy stone and subtle savory notes. The palate is supple but firmly outlined, with juicy fruit giving way to fine tannins, mineral tension and a persistent peppery finish.

Structure: Medium-bodied, with a particularly compelling balance of fruit, freshness and fine-grained tannin. The Côte du Py brings more grip and mineral backbone than Foillard’s softer expressions, giving the 2022 enough structure to develop meaningfully in bottle. Vinous specifically noted its tension, fine tannins and comparatively sturdy profile.

Drink Window: 2027–2037. The 2022 is certainly enjoyable young for its vibrant fruit, but it remains tightly composed and should become more expressive with additional bottle age. Vinous likewise recommends patience and gives a 2027–2037 drinking window.

Decanting: If opening now, give the wine approximately 45–60 minutes of gentle aeration. Serve slightly cool, around 55–60°F, in a Burgundy glass to emphasize its perfume and texture.

Foillard’s Côte du Py is particularly persuasive for drinkers who want to see how serious and age-worthy Gamay can become in one of Morgon’s defining sites. The 2022 has the freshness for charcuterie and roast poultry but enough depth for duck, pork, mushrooms or simply prepared red meats—and a few years in the cellar should make it even more compelling.