Burgundy to Jura... it's just a hop, skip and jump! A winemaker who knows this well is the young gun Pierre Girardin who continues to make waves in both the heart of Burgundy and the intriguing Jura region.
For the 2023 vintage he has levelled up once again with an impressive 25 Burgundy and 5 Jura cuvees! From Meursault to Chassagne-Montrachet, Pommard to Vosne-Romanee, the Cote d'Or is alight with his plot selection and masterful creations. The 2023 vintage sees Pierre welcoming a couple of lovely Chassagne-Montrachet plots of 'Clos Reland' and 'Clos de la Maltroie', each expressing the delight that is a fresh and wholesome Chardonnay. He has also chosen to welcome the Chevalier Montrachet Grand Cru back for the vintage (although very limited quantities!) which is just the apex to the offering this year.
Of course, I cannot leave out the exciting Jura venture that has caught the eye (and palate) of so many wine enthusiasts and critics. With the introduction of three wines last year, the 2023 vintage welcomes another Chardonnay from the hills of Arbois with its mineral style with expressive fruits and beautiful tension. For the new Savagnin cuvee, this is one ideal for those who enjoy something a little atypical, combining Burgundian tradition with Jura audacity.
Overall Pierre has found the 2023s to be reminiscent of the 2021s for the red wines with great assertive structure and enriched aromatic depth. For the whites, more closely compared to the 2022s with their improved acid balance and adaption to warmer growing conditions.
Tasting Notes
Bourgogne Chardonnay 2023
100% Chardonnay, from organically grown vines from 5 lieux-dits in Meursault (Magny, Murger des Limozins and Les Herbeux for 80%), Pommard (l’Aumone 10%) and Volnay (Monpoulain 10%). All on limestone soils, the grapes are combined and vinified as whole clusters, then has 9 months in oak barrels (30% new) and 3 months in steel tanks. This is a sharp and full-bodied wine, round at the end of the mouth also with great minerality. Energetic and crystalline wine with yeast aromas. Drink now or age for up to 5 years.
Meursault "Vireuils" 2023
From plots in the village of Meursault, on top of the hill, near Auxey-Duresses (“Les Vireuils Dessus"). The vines sit on marl and limestone soil. Vinified as whole cluster, 10 months in 456l oak barrels (70% new), 6 months in steel tank. This is a fine and powerful wine, a pure juice with a long lemon finish. Drink now or age up to 8 years.
Meursault "Limozin" 2023
Meursault ‘Limozin’ comes from one of the top plots in Meursault, sitting just below Premier Cru ‘Les Genevrières’, next to ‘Les Charmes’. On clay and some limestone, these grapes bloom and are vinified as whole clusters for 11 months in oak barrels (50% new) and 6 months in steel tanks. Notes of lemon zest, vivid and chiselled, saline and fresh wine, bitterness at the end of the mouth. Drink now or age up to 6 years.
Meursault "Les Narvaux" 2023
From ‘Les Narvaux Dessus’, a plot in the village of Meursault just above the ‘Genevrières’, it is one of the highest plots in Meursault. Sitting on white marl soil, limestone, poor in clay, it is a steep and rocky plot. Vinified as whole cluster, 11 months in big oak barrels of 456l (85% new), 5 months in steel tank. This Narvaux has a crystalline and stony attack, good persistence, freshness and minerality on the end with grapefruit hints. Drink now or age for 8 to 12 years.
Chassagne-Montrachet 2023
This Chassagne-Montrachet reveals a rich, elegant palette of aromas. The nose is marked by notes of green apple, juicy pear, white flowers such as acacia, and a slight mineral touch reminiscent of flint. On the palate, the attack is fresh and lively, developing into a full, silky texture. The balance between acidity and roundness gives the wine remarkable harmony. The finish is long and persistent, with hints of toasted hazelnut and a delicate buttery note. This wine has an ageing potential of 5 to 10 years, allowing connoisseurs to enjoy it at maturity and appreciate its aromatic development.
Puligny-Montrachet 2023
The Puligny-Montrachet is from plots in the North of the village, “Les Charmes” and “Les Corvées des Vignes”, both on clay-limestone soil. Vinified as whole cluster, 11 months in oak barrels (40% new), 6 months in steel tank. Vivid attack with grapefruit flavours, gunflint notes endowed with a long persistence on the mouth. This Puligny can be drunk now or aged for 8 to 15 years.
Puligny-Montrachet “Enseigneres” 2023
From a plot in Puligny-Montrachet, next to the Bienvenues Batard and Batard Montrachet on clay-limestone soils with south-east exposure. Silky and electric mouth, pure and sapid fruit. Great salinity with citrus fruits peels. Drink now or age for 10 to 15 years.
Puligny-Montrachet “Folatieres” 2023
A domaine holding of 0.29ha in the heart of the “Ez Folatières”. Same altitude and topography as Les Caillerets and Le Montrachet on clay-limestone soils with East exposure. Vinified as whole cluster, 12 months in 456l oak barrels (50% new), 7 months in steel tank. Aromas of wet stones and citrus flavours. Chiselled mouth and long aftertaste. Drink now or age for 10 to 20 years.
Vosne-Romanee "Damaudes" 2023
A rare and exceptional lieu-dit in Vosne, just above Vosne 1er Cru Malconsorts. 300-350m altitude on clay-limestone soils. Vinified as whole cluster, 11 months in oak barrels (33% new), 4 months in steel tank. No fining nor filtration. Racy and fruity (mouth of blackcurrant) wine with velvety tannins. With ageing potential of 6 to 12 years.
Vosne-Romanee "Champs Perdrix" 2023
From plots in the village of Vosne-Romanée above “la Tâche”. The vines are planted on limestone soil with lots of small stones between the rows. Vinified as whole cluster, 10 months in oak barrels (2/3 new), 2 months in steel tank. No fining nor filtration. Nose full of flower perfume: rose and peony. Crispy and soft tannins with vivid red fruit aromas of raspberry and red currant. Drink now by decanting or age for 10 to 15 years.
Beaune 1er Cru "Grandes Epenottes" White 2023
From a 1.1 ha parcel on the Pommard border. Very chalky site on the Beune side, just 7 metres away from Pommard 1er cru les Epenots. Set on clay and limestone soil, it has very good drainage with south-east exposure. Vinified as 100% whole cluster with 9 months in oak barrels (40% new), 3 months in steel tank. The Beaune is fresh on the nose with citrus notes. A vivid attack with long length and a pleasant minerality. This can be aged for 8 to 12 years.
Meursault 1er cru "Les Charmes" 2023
Grapes hail from the Premier Cru plot in the south of Meursault, under the “Perrières” plot. With a south-east exposure it is part of the “Charmes Dessus” lieu-dit on clay-limestone soil. Vinified as 100% whole cluster with 12 months in 456l oak barrels (2/3 new) and 7 months in steel tank. Intense freshness in the mouth, great salinity and citrus zest, chiselled finish with ageing potential of 10 to 15 years.
Meursault 1er cru "Les Poruzots" 2023
A scent with a lot of charm, a touch of reduction, sophisticated floral, refreshing citrus notes, an ingenious cloud of fragrance. A bundle of power on the palate, full-bodied, rich, but wonderfully slim, sheer elegance. There is vibrating energy in it, almost spectacular and yet introspective, a phenomenal essence.
Meursault 1er cru "Les Perrieres" 2023
From the South of Meursault, in“ Les Perrières Dessous”, the vines sit next to the Genevrières plot on white marl soil, on a steep slope with limestone. Vinified as 100% whole cluster with 12 months in 456l oak barrels (100% new) then 7 months in steel tank. Elegant citrus perfume on the first nose, then reduction appears. Crystal water and wet stone on the mouth, pure and powerful wine with a great energy. This white wine is very balanced between freshness and maturity. A nice tension and acidity at the end of the mouth which brings a nice length. Ageing potential of 10 to 18 years.
Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru "Clos de la Maltroie" 2023
La Maltroie is a well-regarded premier cru vineyard in Chassagne-Montrachet, located in the southeastern part of the appellation, near the Puligny-Montrachet border. This is a beautiful, white premier cru, a simply stunning white Chassagne.
Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru "Clos Reland" 2023
A delightful Chassagne-Montrachet Premier Cru added to the range.
Puligny-Montrachet 1er cru "Les Pucelles" 2023
From one of the top Premier Cru sites of Puligny-Montrachet, this cuvee is from vines neighbouring Batard-Montrachet Grand Cru on brown and thin clay-limestone soils. Vinified as whole cluster, 11 months in oak barrels (100% new), 6 months in steel tank. Pastry and brioche flavours, pleasant reduction on the nose, good acidity on the mouth. Wine bursting with vitality, mouth-watering juice. Ageing potential: 10 to 20 years.
Pommard 1er cru "Grands Epenots" 2023
The vineyards are next to Clos de Citeaux, neighbouring the village of Beaune. The vines are in very long rows of 400 metres on clay and limestone soil which is also dark and ferruginous. Vinified as whole cluster, with 9 months in oak barrels (50% new), 4 months in steel tank. No fining nor filtration. Aromas of dried petal roses on the nose. Full and velvety mouth with hints of peony. Powerful and elegant, it seduces with its aromatic complexity, silky texture and saline character, offering an unforgettable taste experience for lovers of great wines. You can enjoy this by decanting or age for up to 14 years.
Pommard 1er cru "Les Rugiens Bas” 2023
Sitting opposite Epenots, in the south of Pommard on clay and limestone soils, very red and ferruginous. Vinified as whole cluster, with 9 months in oak barrels (40% new), 4 months in steel tank. No fining nor filtration. Elegant and crispy on the mouth, fine acidity with fresh and floral aromas of dried roses. Very pure juice. You can enjoy this by decanting or age for up to 14 years.
Vosne-Romanee 1er cru "Les Suchots" 2023
From vines in Vosne Romanée between Richebourg and Echezeaux, at the top of Suchots (Les Grands Suchots) on clay-limestone soil. Vinified as whole cluster, 11 months in oak barrels (100% new), 3 months in steel tank. No fining nor filtration. Great aromatic finesse with hints of dried flowers (dried rose petals), elegant and silky mouth endowed with a thirst-quenching freshness. Decant or allow to age for 10 to 20 years.
Corton-Charlemagne 2023
From the Corton-Charlemagne plots in the village of Pernand-Vergelesses and Ladoix Serrigny (blended together). The vines are planted on clay-limestone soil with east exposure in Ladoix Serrigny and west exposure in Pernand Vergelesses on a steep slop. Vinified as whole cluster, then 12 months in 456l oak barrels (100% new) and 6 months in steel tank. A precise and saline wine, hints of wet rock. Straight and crystalline on the mouth, with a pleasant acidity. With an ageing potential of up to 25 years.
Corton-Charlemagne "La Croix" 2023
From the Corton-Charlemagne plots in the village of Aloxe-Corton, on the east and south-east slopes, under the “Cross” of Corton, an early ripening area due to its exposure. Sitting on clay-limestone soil, with little rocks and white marl. Vinified as whole cluster, then 12 months in 456l oak barrels (100% new) and 5 months in steel tank. Tense and sharp wine, full of energy on the palate, with notes of gunflint. Fresh and saline at the end of the mouth. With an ageing potential of up to 25 years.
Batard-Montrachet 2023
Pierre Girardin was fortunate enough to purchase 3 ouvrees of Bâtard-Montrachet in late 2017, a plot with 85 year old vines. Vinified as whole clusters with 11 months in 456L oak barrels (100% new oak) and 9 months in steel tank. Set on white clay and limestone soils the Batard-Montrachet has a full mouth with bitter and saline aromas. Pleasant length and can age for 15 to 25 years.
Chevalier Montrachet 2023
Domaine Pierre Girardin's Chevalier-Montrachet Grand Cru is a masterly expression of Burgundian Chardonnay. It reveals subtle aromas of white fruit, white flowers and buttery notes, underpinned by a lovely freshness. On the palate, the balance between richness and tension is remarkable, with a long, lingering finish. This Grand Cru is ideal with gastronomic dishes such as shellfish, fine fish or poultry in sauce. An exceptional wine to enjoy now, or cellar to reveal its full complexity over the years.
Montrachet 2023
This Montrachet is from vines across the Puligny-Montrachet and Chassagne-Montrachet appellations. You can find a well structured and harmonious Grand Cru with enveloping flavours to establish a unique personality.
The JURA Project
VDF Chardonnay "La Petite Montagne"
This Chardonnay is from Jura in Beaufort (south of Rotalier) on soils of fossilised limestone and blue marl. A crystalline, lively and salty wine, marked by a beautiful mineral tension. The nose, characterised by a discreet reduction, evokes the authentic terroir of the Jura. On the palate, the lemony freshness is combined with a delicate velvety roundness, supported by an elegant structure. This cuvée is aimed at enthusiasts looking for a mineral white wine with beautiful tension and expressive fruit, revealing the full potential of the Jura's high-altitude terroirs. Drink now or cellar for up to 10 years.
VDF Chardonnay "Le Noyer"
This Chardonnay is from Jura in Rotalier on soils of beige limestone and clay, blue marl. A mineral and powerful wine, crystalline and chiselled on the mouth. Intense lime hints on the nose. Expression of a great terroir. A precise, harmonious wine with a chiselled palette that is mineral, crystalline and powerful, yet elegant and even indulgent. The nose opens with vibrant aromas of lime, while the palate is dynamic and salty, offering a long, structured finish. Very enjoyable now, it also has real ageing potential (8-10 years) for lovers of Burgundy from the Jura.
VDF Savagnin "Le Noyer"
This Savagnin is from Jura in Rotalier on soils of blue/grey marl. Sharp and vivid wine, salty at the end of the mouth, with a great freshness. Hints of chalk and wet stone. Electric wine that wakes up all your senses. The nose reveals a mineral character, fresh citrus (lime) and hints of wet stone, before discovering a structured, crystalline, dense palate, magnified by a beautiful, mouth-watering acidity. This biodynamic Savagnin stands out for its balance between vibrant energy and salty character, promising to age for up to ten years.
VDF Savagnin "Le Chataignier"
This Savagnin from the ‘Le Châtaignier’ vineyard is grown on a 1959 vineyard. The nose seduces with its floral and mineral notes, with an aromatic intensity rarely found in non-Burgundy whites. On the palate, the structure is full and round, with a beautiful freshness that gives it a racy elegance. This complete wine seduces with its depth and energy, reflecting Pierre-Vincent's expertise. This cuvée is ideal for lovers of atypical white wines, off the beaten track, who know how to combine Burgundian tradition with Jura audacity.
VDF Chardonnay "Saugettes"
A new Chardonnay from Jura that is exciting and fresh!