Domaine François Gaunoux - Pommard 1er cru - Les Rugiens - Rouge - 2021

Wine:

Originating from two plots, one in the middle of Rugiens and the other at the top, bordering the village of Volnay, the 2021 Pommard 1er Cru Les Rugiens red exhibits a deeper profile than the Epenots, displaying an aromatic arch indicating high maturity reminiscent of sugared strawberries and roses. This Rugiens presents a robust structure on the palate, full and harmoniously tannic. It will evolve patiently over two or even three decades if you keep a few bottles aside. It scores a 95/100. It's worth noting that from the same Pommard 1er cru Rugiens terroir, the 1964 vintage tasted by the Parker guide last year, was rated 94/100, a clear indicator of its exceptional potential and unparalleled quality level.

Vinification:

Hand-harvested.

Color:

Bright ruby red with carmine highlights.

Nose:

Delicate, infused Pinot with hints of strawberries and roses.

Palate:

Full-bodied and structured with sparkling fruit, this outstanding cuvée delivers precise, harmonious juice with great depth.

Temperature:

Serve between 14 and 16°C.

Food and wine pairing:

Duck tournedos with grapes, Maine farm-raised prime rib with coarse salt, roast wild boar back.

Cellar aging:

From now until 2031, and even longer for enthusiasts.

Claudine Gaunoux, owner of the namesake François Gaunoux estate, is an unparalleled winemaker, defining herself as a "vineyard-going winemaker".

The Burgundian estate, not widely featured in guides, remains somewhat of a hidden gem, yet its wines grace the tables of France's most prestigious Michelin-starred establishments, including those of Yannick Alléno, Cheval Blanc, and the Parisian chef Guy Savoy, whose restaurant was recently crowned once again as the world's best. Claudine, along with her husband Jean-Pierre, oversees twelve hectares spanning the villages of Beaune, Meursault, Volnay, and Pommard. Their vineyards include some of the finest terroirs and boast monopoly plots in Meursault, such as Clos de Tavaux and Clos des Meix Chavaux. Not to be overlooked is their renowned first growth, La Goutte d’Or.

The ethos of the estate is crystal clear: to showcase these famed Côte d’Or terroirs in their purest form, meaning without the influence of oak barrels—a rarity in Burgundy. This unique approach caught our attention, and in a blind tasting, our World Champion sommelier, Olivier Poussier, was equally stunned by the freshness and purity of a 2009 vintage. As they age, the wines develop a rich patina, without the interference of tannins from oak, prompting contemplation about the art of wine aging. To taste their wines is a singular experience for any aficionado; few such esteemed vintages provide such an unadulterated reflection of their appellation.