Patrick Bouju and Justine Loiseau Lulu

Vintage: 2022

Origin: Auvergne, France

Grapes: Mondeuse

Alcohol: 12%

Lulu comes from one of Patrick and Justine's most treasured plots – Gamay d'Auvergne vines that are at least 80 years old, rooted deep in basalt soils on the slopes around Corent. The whole bunches get proper maceration before spending about a year ageing in old barrels and stoneware jars on the lees, building complexity and character. What emerges is spiced and aromatic on the nose, leading to a palate that's lean but intense, finishing with that distinctive bloody minerality that marks great Gamay d'Auvergne. Give this one a decant and some breathing time to really show its best – whilst drinking beautifully now, it's got the structure to reward patience and will develop even more complexity with a few years in the cellar.