The inaugural set of wines from Brice, aka Docteur Briçou. Brice is now custodian of the land and cellar of the late, great Julie Balagny. Julie and her wines touched so many, there was nothing quite like them. Yet this new project is one I'm sure Julie would be most happy with.

Brice, a Beaujolais native, had been working as Julie's right hand man since 2019 and they immediately hit it off. Her wine from Moulin à Vent was renamed in honour of Brice. He has taken on some of her prized land in the high hills above Fleurie, away from the more famed Lieux-Dits, here we shoulder Chénas and are surrounded by more wild forest. He will continue to farm tirelessly, and honour the work of his mentor. The family has also allowed him to continue vinifications in Julie's cellar under the house. The ever-talented Delphine Chauvin, who drew Julie's label, has also given Brice her gorgeous illustrations, and this feels like a lovely gesture as the project transitions. This new chapter looks incredibly bright and after tasting last week I can gladly report the wines are singing.

The last we saw from Julie was wines of a warm vintage, but these '24s are from a cooler, fresher vintage. They are lithe and ethereal. Beaujolais of old in their featherweight structures and effortless drinkability.