2021 Domaine Guy Breton Beaujolais Villages Cuvee Marylou

Since legendary US importer Kermit Lynch dubbed them the Gang of Four in the 1980's, wine collectors the world over have been searching for the precious few bottles of Beaujolais from Jean Foillard, Marcel Lapierre, Guy Breton, and Jean-Paul Thévenet. Each of these producers were inspired by the natural wine growing and wine making methods of local hero Jules Chauvet. Their aim is to help the unique Beaujolais terroir express itself with minimal intervention, harnessing old vines farmed with organic practices, fermentation with natural yeasts, along with limited use of sulphur. Together they have raised not only the profile of the region, but demonstrated that Beaujolais is more than just 'Nouveau' and can indeed produce meaningful, complex and wonderful wines.

Also known as "Petit Max" by his friends, Guy Breton produces wines that are easy to drink, and his are typically the lightest in colour, the lowest in alcohol, and the least tannic of the Gang of Four. Breton’s domaine is comprised of just over four hectares, most of which are located in Morgon, and are supplemented with purchased grapes from surrounding appellations enabling him to vinify a diverse portfolio of Beaujolais crus. Like fellow Beaujolais stars, Guy Breton has access to incredibly old vines that are organically farmed, and are vinified with the lightest of touches. These are dangerously drinkable wines, but if you can resist the urge also age with grace for many years.

Named after his daughter, Guy’s Beaujolais Villages “Marylou” is sourced from the Saint Joseph and Grand Cras subzones of the appellation, about 500 meters from his Morgon vines. 45 year-old Gamay growing on granite and rock.

Other Reviews....
This one GW says ‘comes out of the MB playbook’, hence we have a very fresh feeling, lighter, loose knit vin de soif kinda style.
Sour cherry, a little hazy red apple juice, some alpine herbs, fennel. Thirst-quenching kind of style, really just a few pay grades up from rosé, but with a sheath of finer tannin and just that bit more depth. It’s really lovely, really delicious, so skollable, very lively. Out of the box for Beaujolais classicists but the pay off is a wine of immense and immediate appeal. Could drink this all day. Drink 2022 - 2025.
92 points
Mike Bennie - The Wine Front