Julien Sunier

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Country of Origin: France
Location: Avenas
People: Julien Sunier, Owner & Winemaker
Viticulture: Practicing Organic

Items

Julien Sunier 2022 'Wild Soul' Beaujolais Villages AOC Login AG 88 In Stock
Julien Sunier 2022 Fleurie AOC Login AG 92 In Stock
Julien Sunier 2021 Morgon AOC Login AG 92 <1 Case
Julien Sunier 2022 Morgon AOC Login AG 92 In Stock

We’ve had the privilege of working with Julien Sunier since the start of his winemaking journey, watching him evolve from an aspiring talent in Beaujolais to an esteemed and influential figure in the region. Born in Dijon, Burgundy, Julien’s path to winemaking began at a pivotal moment when he was searching for his next step. His mother, a hairdresser, introduced him to her client Christophe Roumier, an acclaimed winemaker at Domaine George Roumier, who became a mentor and guided Julien into the world of wine.

From the outset, Julien was captivated by winemaking, and his passion led him to travel the globe in his early twenties, working harvests (and surfing) in California and New Zealand. Returning to Burgundy, he honed his skills under Nicolas Potel in Nuit Saint-Georges and Jean-Claude Rateau in Beaune, where he solidified his commitment to organic and biodynamic viticulture.

After his time in Burgundy, Julien spent five years managing a large négociant, where he collaborated closely with growers across the 10 Cru villages of Beaujolais, gaining a profound understanding of the region’s unique microclimates. In 2008, he founded his own domaine, acquiring three hectares of densely planted old-vine parcels in Fleurie, Morgon, and Régnié, which he transitioned entirely to organic viticulture. Today, the domaine covers 9 hectares.

Julien’s winemaking process is a true expression of his dedication to purity and authenticity. He hand-harvests each grape, performs whole-cluster semi-carbonic fermentation with indigenous yeasts in concrete vats at low temperatures to retain fresh fruit flavors, and preserves a delicate tannin structure. After fermentation, the fruit undergoes a slow and gentle 24-hour press using an antique vertical press from the Côte D’Or. The wines age between 8 and 11 months on fine lees in a mix of old Burgundy barrels, a gift from his mentor Christophe Roumier, concrete tanks, wooden vats and egg-shaped tanks.

The result is a collection of wines that reflect Julien’s unwavering pursuit of elegance and quality. With bright, floral notes, a delicate yet ethereal texture, and a long-lasting finish, these wines are as enjoyable in their youth as they are rewarding to cellar. Julien’s domaine stands as a testament to his expertise in organic viticulture and his commitment to creating wines of exceptional quality and character.

Reviews

  • Julien Sunier 2021 Morgon AOC
    Vinous
    Rating: 92 (5/4/2023)
    The 2021 Morgon comes from six parcels (2.8-hectares) hence there is no lieu-dit, each vinified separately. This has an open nose, one that errs towards a fine Grenache in style with just a hint of eau-de-vie. The palate is well-balanced with a fine acidity, edgy and lightly spiced with a dash of white pepper towards the finish. So fresh and vibrant.
  • Julien Sunier 2022 'Wild Soul' Beaujolais Villages AOC
    Vinous
    Rating: 88 (4/23/2024)
    The 2022 Beaujolais-Villages Wild Soul has plenty of red plum and raspberry coulis aromas on the nose. It's quite forward and generous. The palate is medium-bodied with juicy red fruit, a touch of white pepper and thyme. Enjoy this over the next two to three years.
  • Julien Sunier 2022 Morgon AOC
    Vinous
    Rating: 92 (4/23/2024)
    The 2022 Morgon comes from 2.5 hectares of vines from different parcels (these are named on the label). Sunier told me he doesn't want to make a "masculine" Morgon, so he is not seeking tannins. He uses wild yeasts with no pump-overs. The 2022 has an expressive bouquet with red cherries, crushed strawberries and hints of pressed white flowers. The palate is fleshy and open, slightly chalky in texture and, like the Régnié, there is attractive piquancy on the finish by way of a dash of white pepper.
  • Julien Sunier 2022 Fleurie AOC
    Vinous
    Rating: 92 (4/23/2024)

    The 2022 Fleurie comes from two parcels at the top and bottom of the slopes. It has a more backward nose that demands coaxing from the glass, with just a touch of reduction (Sunier suggested this could be because he used a new foudre this vintage). The palate is medium-bodied with a pixelated entry, pretty Morello cherry and raspberry notes and a little earthiness toward the finish that gently fans out. This may require a little more time, perhaps another 18 months for it to gel together.