The most structured, powerful, and age-worthy of the ten Beaujolais crus — the manganese-rich granite hillsides around the historic windmill (moulin-à-vent) on the Saône-et-Loire/Rhône border producing Gamay of extraordinary concentration and tannic structure. At its best, Moulin-à-Vent develops over 10-15 years into a wine that resembles aged Pinot Noir from the Côte d'Or — an observation made repeatedly by tasters who have confused it with Burgundy in blind tastings. The unique manganese content in the granitic soils is believed to be responsible for the variety's unusual weight and structure in this specific cru.
| Year | Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | — | Greatest Moulin-à-Vent vintage of the modern era; Gamay from manganese-rich granite showed legendary concentration and the tannic structure of wines destined for 15+ year development. |
| 2021 | — | Classic vintage; cool conditions produced wines of excellent mineral freshness and the characteristic Moulin-à-Vent combination of power and elegance. |
| 2020 | — | Benchmark year; Château du Moulin-à-Vent Clos du Grand Carquelin and Jean-Paul Brun both produced wines of historic depth. |
| 2019 | — | Outstanding vintage; Gamay of extraordinary tannic structure and 20-year aging potential; Moulin-à-Vent's reputation as the most serious Beaujolais cru confirmed internationally. |
| 2018 | — | Warm vintage producing generous Moulin-à-Vent of good concentration; manganese granite soils retained structure even in warm year; approachable with 5 years. |