Chateau Thivin is the oldest estate on Mont Brouilly and, for most people who love Beaujolais, the benchmark producer of Cote de Brouilly. The vineyards climb an old volcano on a slope so steep it’s nearly a wall, planted on rare blue volcanic rock that soaks up heat and gives this Gamay its unmistakable smoky mineral snap. The 2024 is pure, crunchy and peppery, structured and mineral in a way that sets Cote de Brouilly apart from its flatter neighbors. This is the half-bottle, perfect for a solo dinner or a wine you want to open without commitment.