Gregoire Hoppenot is one of Beaujolais' and France's newest all-stars, and his 2022 Origines Fleurie is immensely likable. Greg's wines already enjoy a cult following in France, and it's just a matter of time before they achieve that status in the US.
It's both easy-to-drink and complex at the same time. With plenty of meat on the bone along with silky tannins and a long finish, this ain't Beaujolais Nouveau folks. What it is is a world-class French red for lovers of classic Cru Beaujolais and Red Burgundy.
2022 Gregoire Hoppenot 'Origines' Fleurie
94 points Yours Truly -- Trust me, it's worth every point!
$29.99/bottle -- 10% off in mixed or solid six-packs, 20% off in mixed or solid cases
Gregoire Hoppenot was named "Newcomer of the Year" by La Revue du vin de France, the country's top wine magazine, in 2020. This was well-earned, as this guy does everything by hand. That means organic farming, old vines, native yeasts, and minimal sulfur additions all in the pursuit of purity.
Texture and classic old vine Gamay flavors are the name of the game here. It pours a deep-ruby color and comes roaring out of the glass with aromas of spiced plum, dark cherry, raspberry, rose petal, and dried violet. This leads into a very satisfying and mouth-coating palate that is both silky, full-flavored, and proper in every way, shape, and form. While I suspect this will drink well through at least 2030, there's no reason to delay gratification.
This is quite different from the 2021 version, which was quite a bit lighter and more acid-driven than the new release. Vintage 2022 was hot, sunny, and dry; all-in-all, it was considered a superior vintage by all wine writers. Those vintage characteristics are on full display here -- ripe fruit, round tannin, and denser flavors. YUM!
I would highly advise you to take advantage of the deal pricing -- I don't think you'll find a better price in the US.....heck, you might not find it this low in France! Save some for Thanksgiving, and enjoy with poultry, salmon, or a nice charcuterie spread, just like they do in Beaujolais :)
