Inspired by Marcel Lapierre, the wines of Yvon Métras are arguably amongst the most controversial in all of Beaujolais. It could be that some just don’t “get it”. It could also just come down to an individual’s tolerance for his wine making methods (unabashedly natural). Regardless, no one can call his wines boring. This was our first of two Métras wines in the line-up this evening. Popped and poured; no formal notes. The 2015 “Moulin-à-Vent” is comparatively dark and rustic to the wines that came before it. It’s a little funky and mousy but not out of control; certainly well within everyone’s tolerance on this occasion. Tannins are a little gritty and acid is well into the medium+ category. I felt like this bottle could probably stand to sit longer. You can drink now but best after 2025 and should drink well through 2035. — 9 months ago
This was delicious, and a winning blind for me. Having a baseline on the table definitely helped. Although less sweet and intense, I felt the JM Millot was in the same genre as the Métras, with similar texture, floral lift, minerality, and red fruit profile. It was the difference in fruit sweetness that gave it away as being from greater Burgundy, whereby Pinot Noir usually appears less sweet than Gamay to me. The village was definitely a lot harder to identify which made sense upon the reveal - when in doubt, it’s probably from one of the lesser communes (or Morey lol!). Fine, fresh, and energetic, I would have drank a lot more of it if not for the other wines on the table. Another to revisit. — 2 years ago
This was one of my contributions to the evening and this was easily one of the more compelling wines of the night, right up with the two 3.14’s by Foillard. While all the wines from Yvon Métras can be difficult to find, the “L’Ultime” is a unicorn. You hear about it; you read about it; you never see it. Popped and poured; no formal notes. The 2018 “L’Utlime” is about as deep, dark and concentrated a Beaujolais I have ever encountered. Yet, it remains unmistakably Fleurie…and unmistakably Métras as there were definitely some liberties taken in the cellar. That being said, it’s controlled and really lovely stuff. To be honest, I found this to be remarkably similar to the 3.14’s from Foillard however the L’Ultime is slightly more concentrated while still maintaining its trademark elegance. In contrast, the 3.14’s were a touch more structured and, frankly cleaner. Drink now with patience and through 2038. — 9 months ago
Glorious Beauj raspberry strawberry. Very much Beauj but it also has an earthy not hidden in there. Elegantly balanced as well. Right when opened a lot was going on. It smells like stems. I like that. Another Beauj to go on the rotation for things to look for when it comes out. — 8 months ago
Smooth right bank goodness. With Matt S. — a year ago
Yum! Not a lot of acidity. Brought by Jim&Jess — a year ago
Pretty delicious and a value in grand cru if that can exist. — 3 years ago
Brendan Baker
Slightly volatile at first, but quickly blew off. Crunchy red fruits, purple flowers, bright acid, med body 😜🤤 — 4 months ago