Nestled in the heart of the Côte de Nuits, the village of Vosne-Romanée is a revered sanctuary for wine enthusiasts worldwide. As one of the most prestigious and expensive red wine appellations globally, Vosne-Romanée is renowned not only for its eight illustrious Grand Cru vineyards but also for its rich historical heritage and exceptional terroir, both of which have long captivated winemakers and collectors alike. Often hailed as “a land blessed by the gods of wine,” Vosne-Romanée has been home to some of the most legendary figures in the wine world, including Henri Jayer, Domaine de la Romanée-Conti (DRC), Emmanuel Rouget, and Leroy, all of whom have regarded this village as the ultimate winemaking paradise.
The history of Vosne-Romanée dates back to pre-Revolutionary France. The historian Courtepeé once remarked, “The wines of Vosne-Romanée never disappoint.” This unwavering confidence and esteemed reputation stem from the village’s long-standing tradition of winemaking excellence and its extraordinary terroir. Originally known simply as “Vosne,” the village adopted the name “Vosne-Romanée” in 1866 as a tribute to La Romanée, one of its most prestigious vineyards. This change cemented the village’s identity as the epitome of Burgundian winemaking mastery.
Unique Soils and Terroir
Vosne-Romanée boasts an extraordinary natural environment, with vineyard soils famously described by the legendary Henri Jayer as “brown and rich in limestone.” These soils are covered by a thin layer of clay, while the bedrock consists mainly of hard limestone and marl containing fossilized marine organisms. The combination of shallow, nutrient-poor topsoil and marl’s ability to retain moisture contributes to the depth and structure of the wines. As a result, Premier Cru and Grand Cru vineyards on the slopes produce wines that exhibit remarkable depth, power, and complexity, with an inherent capacity for aging. Meanwhile, vineyards located at the foot of the slopes, where the terrain is gentler and the soils are slightly deeper, yield wines that are fuller-bodied, aromatically expressive, and velvety in texture.
Key Vineyards and Grand Crus
The village of Vosne-Romanée encompasses approximately 150 hectares of vineyards, including fourteen Premier Cru and eight Grand Cru sites. Among the Premier Cru vineyards, notable names include Au-dessus des Malconsorts, Aux Brûlées, Aux Malconsorts, Aux Raignots, Clos des Réas, Cros Parantoux, En Orveaux, La Croix Rameau, Les Beaux Monts, and more. Though these Premier Cru vineyards are often surrounded, or are nearby, Grand Cru sites, their wines differ greatly from them, as they do from those of the other Premier Crus. The large variability in soil composition, elevation, and slope gradients create distinct micro-terroirs, yielding wines with unique personalities.
Every lieu-dit within Vosne-Romanée carries subtle variations of terroir that directly influence the wine’s aroma and flavor profile, not to mention its structure. For example, Les Suchots, one of the largest Premier Cru vineyards, and arguably one of the best, is shared by over twenty different owners, leading to many different wines, from winemaking styles to production volumes. This fragmented ownership means that each bottle of Vosne-Romanée further reflects a microcosm of its terroir, filled with nuance and complexity, such that we can often speak, for example, of premier crus within the premier crus.
Premier Crus and their wines: a comparative tasting
In this report, I describe ten Vosne-Romanée wines from seven different Premier Cru vineyards. This carefully curated selection allows participants to experience the delicate flavors and subtle differences among these exceptional sites. Different winemakers interpret their unique terroirs in individual ways, and in so doing reveal a large palette of different wine possibilities. Such as, for example, the profound depth and power of slope-grown wines compared to the full-bodied, aromatic expressiveness of wines from gentler terrains. I will describe the wines for each vineyard after presenting the Premier Cru vineyard they are from.
Les Suchots: Terroir Analysis and Characteristics
Les Suchots is the largest Premier Cru vineyard in Vosne-Romanée, covering 13.1 hectares. It is situated on gentle slopes at an elevation of 250 to 280 meters above sea level. Its prime location places it among some of the most prestigious Grand Cru sites—Romanée-Saint-Vivant, Echezeaux, and Richebourg—such that it boasts an exceptional terroir but retains its own distinctive identity. In other words, wines that are born in a patch of land that can bring them to mimic traits of wines from the grand crus, while showcasing their own signature of site.
In fact, the vineyard’s name, “Suchots,” clearly hints at its diverse micro-terroirs and subtle variations; the name originates from an old French term meaning “small plots of land”. The soil composition is dominated by limestone and clay, with a thin topsoil layer interspersed with gravel and small stones, which enhance drainage and sunlight reflection, promoting optimal grape ripening. Beneath the surface lies a deep limestone bedrock, rich in minerals, contributing to the wine’s structural complexity and depth.
The wines of Les Suchots are often regarded as the most balanced of all the Vosne-Romanée’s Premier Crus, and are even said to embody the elegance of Romanée-Saint-Vivant and the power of Echezeaux. You’ll admit, that’s quite a combination! The unique terroir imparts a harmonious combination of finesse and strength to the wines, making the wines of Les Suchots one of the most expressive and quintessential representations of Vosne-Romanée.
The 2020 growing season: Given that the two Les Suchots wines in this tasting report are both from the 2020 vintage, a few words about the growing season are in order. The 2020 vintage in Burgundy was both challenging and extraordinary. Aubert de Villaine, co-owner of Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, described the year as marked by an early bud break in spring, intense summer droughts, and one of the earliest harvests in history. Despite these conditions, the vines demonstrated remarkable resilience, ultimately producing wines with high alcohol levels, yet surprisingly vibrant acidity and balance.
De Villaine also noted that the 2020 wines share stylistic similarities with the 1991 and 1997 vintages, showcasing a fresh and elegant profile. He further suggested that 2020 may mark the beginning of a new era in Burgundy winemaking—one where both vines and winemakers adapt to climatic shifts, crafting wines that are uniquely expressive yet remain true to the region’s legacy of excellence.
Domaine Berthaut-Gerber 2020 Vosne-Romanée Premier Cru Les Suchots 90
Deep ruby-red hue with brilliant clarity. Initially, there is a slight reductive note, which gradually dissipates with aeration, unveiling a complex aromatic profile of fresh redcurrant and wild strawberry interwoven with plum and black cherry nuances. On the palate, the wine delivers bright acidity and lively fruit freshness, creating an excellent sense of balance. Fine-grained and elegant tannins define the structure, while the mid-palate remains round and fruit-driven, leading to a long, lingering finish with delicate mushroom undertones. However, I find there is a subtle rawness to the wine, slightly detracting from the expected depth and refinement of a wine from Les Suchots. Its naturalistic winemaking style might also lead some traditionalists to find it lacks the typical elegance and profundity associated with this Premier Cru, but there’s no doubt his wine will appeal to enthusiasts of natural winemaking. This wine holds medium to long-term aging potential, promising further complexity and integration over time; but if you must drink it now, I’d decant it 1–2 hours in advance to allow reduction to dissipate. Drinking window: 2024–2034.
Since taking over the domaine in 2013, Amélie Berthaut has dedicated herself to organic viticulture and traditional winemaking techniques. The estate obtained biodynamic certification in 2014, further solidifying its commitment to natural farming. In Les Suchots, the domaine owns a 0.2159-hectare parcel located on the mid-slope, where the clay-limestone soil provides an optimal balance of drainage and mineral expression. The vines, averaging 70 years old, contribute to the wine’s depth and complexity.
During vinification, the domaine adheres strictly to organic principles, with hand-harvesting and meticulous grape selection. About 10% whole-cluster fermentation is employed, with no chemical additives used. After harvest, the grapes undergo cold maceration to enhance fruit expression, followed by native yeast fermentation. The wine is aged for 15 months in oak barrels, 30% of which are new, allowing for layered development while preserving the purity of fruit.
Domaine Jean-Marc Millot 2020 Vosne-Romanée Premier Cru Les Suchots 93
Deep ruby in color. Aged in 30% new oak, this boasts an enticing nose of cherry, raspberry, and wild strawberry, elegantly interwoven with rose petal aromas and layered spice notes. The palate is marked by remarkable concentration, culminating in an impressive mineral-driven finish with saline nuances. The overall style is pure, refined, and intricately detailed, offering a graceful and well-balanced, striking representation of Les Suchots’ unique, slightly cooler, terroir. Drinking window: 2024–2038.
Founded in 1992, Domaine Jean-Marc Millot initially focused on producing Côte de Nuits villages-level and Vosne-Romanée village wines, gradually gaining recognition through small-scale production of its Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru wine. A pivotal moment came in 1997, when Jean-Marc’s wife inherited prime vineyards in Flagey-Echézeaux, expanding the domaine’s holdings to include prestigious sites such as Les Suchots, Echézeaux, and Grands-Echézeaux.
Today, the estate manages approximately seven hectares of vineyards, maintaining a steadfast commitment to organic viticulture. No chemical treatments are used, yields are kept low at 25–32 hl/ha, and vineyard work—including pruning and harvesting—is done by hand. The estate also employs horse plowing, ensuring the preservation of the terroir’s natural integrity.
Jean-Marc Millot is known for gentle extraction and cold maceration, techniques that highlight finesse and purity. Since 2021, the domaine has gradually introduced partial whole-cluster fermentation, enhancing complexity and depth while preserving its signature delicate tannin management. Aging takes place in oak barrels for 15–18 months, with 30–50% new oak, ensuring a harmonious balance between fruit expression and oak influence—a hallmark of refined Burgundy. The wines of Jean-Marc Millot are celebrated for their elegance, purity of fruit, and captivating aromatics, earning the winemaker the nickname “The Magician of Aromas.”
In 2014, Jean-Marc’s daughter, Alix Millot, joined the domaine, assuming full responsibility for both vineyard management and winemaking. Her approach is more precise and structurally refined, adding an extra layer of complexity and depth to the wines. She has been widely praised her work, as her wines retain the domaine’s classic style while achieving greater precision and terroir transparency.
Domaine Jean-Marc Millot owns 0.3 hectares in Les Suchots, where vines average sixty years old, particularly excelling in warmer vintages. Since 2021, the estate has implemented partial whole-cluster fermentation, further enhancing complexity and structure while maintaining its hallmark gentle extraction techniques to avoid excessive tannin extraction.
Les Petits Monts Premier Cru: Terroir Analysis and Characteristics
Les Petits Monts is a Premier Cru vineyard located adjacent to the prestigious Richebourg Grand Cru. Covering 3.67 hectares, this vineyard is situated on a steep, high-altitude slope at an elevation of approximately 290 to 335 meters above sea level. The steep incline promotes excellent drainage, which naturally limits vine vigor, ensuring greater concentration of flavors in the grapes. The south-east exposure protects the vines from excessive moisture, reducing the risk of fungal diseases while benefiting from ample sunlight and ventilation. These factors contribute to optimal ripeness, maintaining the balance between freshness and elegance, preserving the vineyard’s characteristic refined acidity and delicate aromatic profile.
The vineyard’s name, “Petits Monts,” translates to “small hills,” aptly reflecting its high-altitude setting. The soil composition, dominated by limestone and clay, imparts a fine structure and distinctive minerality to the wines, enhancing their precision, depth, and aging potential.
The 2020 growing season: see above
The 2017 Growing season: The 2017 vintage was a pivotal year for Burgundy, marked by challenging weather conditions yet culminating in the largest harvest in a decade. According to data from the Bourgogne Wine Board (BIVB), Burgundy’s total production for 2017 reached 1.5 billion liters, representing a 23% increase over 2016 and a 10% rise compared to the five-year average. Spring frosts posed an early threat to the vineyards, but protective measures helped mitigate damage. The hot summer led to some grape shriveling, temporarily slowing ripening. However, August rains restored balance, enabling the grapes to reach optimal maturity. The resulting red wines exhibit abundant fruit, juiciness, and approachability, making them particularly enjoyable in their youth.
Domaine Berthaut-Gerbet 2020 Vosne-Romanée Premier Cru Les Petits Monts 94
Deep, mesmerizing ruby hue. Follows a seductive and multi-layered aromatic profile, where the nose is dominated by rich cherry, plum, blackcurrant, cranberry, and raspberry aromas, complemented by delicate rose petal nuances. On the palate, the wine exhibits exceptional concentration and depth. The medium acidity ensures a well-balanced structure, while the fine, silky tannins provide seamless texture and tension. The long, persistent finish carries a distinct mineral-driven salinity, adding further complexity and depth. This wine beautifully encapsulates the elegance and power that define Vosne-Romanée, making it a compelling expression of Les Petits Monts’ unique terroir. Drinking Window: 2024–2038
The domaine traces its history back to Denis Berthaut, who married Marie-Andrée Gerbet of Vosne-Romanée, laying the foundation for its expansion. In 2013, their daughter, Amélie Berthaut, took over and officially rebranded the estate as Domaine Berthaut-Gerbet. Under her leadership, the domaine not only continued to manage vineyards in Fixin and Gevrey-Chambertin but also expanded into Vosne-Romanée, Flagey-Echézeaux, and Chambolle-Musigny, broadening its terroir expression.
Today, the estate spans thirteen hectares, with Fixin remaining its core appellation. About 90% of its vineyards are dedicated to red wine production, with a small portion planted to Chardonnay. In 2014, the estate released its first Fixin Blanc, showcasing its commitment to innovation while preserving tradition.
Their ownership in the Les Petits Monts Premier Cru vineyard in Vosne-Romanée covers approximately 0.5 hectares, situated next to the renowned Richebourg Grand Cru. The clay-limestone soil contributes to the wine’s delicate structure and refined minerality. Due to the steep slope, mechanized work is impossible, making hand-farming essential, further ensuring the high quality of the grapes. As mentioned previously, the estate follows organic viticulture, avoiding chemical treatments and implementing green harvesting to strictly control yields. In the 2020 vintage, the domaine used 20–30% whole-cluster fermentation in order to make this wine. The grapes underwent cold maceration in cement tanks for five days, followed by natural yeast fermentation. Aging took place over 15 months in oak barrels, with 30% new oak, striking a balance between fruit purity and oak influence, adding greater complexity to the wine.
Joseph Drouhin 2017 Vosne-Romanée Premier Cru Les Petits Monts 93
Deep ruby hue. Then very expressive and layered on the nose, with aromas of wild cherry, rose petals, and delicate spice unfolding gracefully, accompanied by a hint of caramelized toffee. On the palate, the wine is medium to full-bodied, with silky, refined tannins that lend an effortlessly smooth texture. The long, lingering finish underscores the elegance and depth that define Vosne-Romanée, making this a quintessential expression of Les Petits Monts’ terroir. Specifically for the 2017 vintage, the wine underwent 40% whole-cluster fermentation, adding aromatic complexity and structure. It was then aged in 25% new oak barrels, subtly enhancing spice and texture without overpowering the fruit. Initially, the wine appears reserved and closed, but with decanting, it gradually reveals its feminine elegance and supple charm. Drinking Window: 2024–2035.
Joseph Drouhin owns 0.39 hectares in Les Petits Monts, where the vines average over fifty years old. The estate has practiced organic and biodynamic viticulture since the 1990s, eschewing chemical treatments to maintain the purest terroir expression.
Aux Brûlées & Les Beaux Monts Premier Crus: Terroir Analysis and Characteristics
The Aux Brûlées Premier Cru (sometimes referred to as Les Brûlées) is located in the Vosne-Romanée appellation of Côte de Nuits, covering approximately 4.5 hectares (11 acres). The vineyard is bisected by the D109 road, creating two distinct sections: the core Premier Cru vineyard, which spans 3.76 hectares (9.3 acres), and La Combe Brûlée, a 0.76-hectare (1.88-acre) parcel that while considered part of Aux Brûlées, has a unique microclimate and terroir. The D109 road introduces notable differences in drainage, sunlight exposure, and flavor expression between the two sections, impacting the vineyard’s overall terroir characteristics. Because of this, the wines sometimes warrant separate labeling.
Not enough is said about the role this road plays. The D109 road is a regional route in Burgundy, cutting through some of the most prestigious vineyards in the Côte de Nuits and Côte de Beaune, including those in Vosne-Romanée, Gevrey-Chambertin, and Beaune. As a key route for wine tourism and industry professionals, it provides convenient access to Burgundy’s iconic vineyards and wineries. However, its presence also affects the terroir, influencing water runoff, heat retention, and wind flow, which in turn impact ripening dynamics and the aromatic complexity of the wines. Despite these factors, Aux Brûlées is recognized as one of Vosne-Romanée’s top Premier Cru sites, producing wines known for their floral aromatics, deep fruit concentration, and elegant mineral undertones.
Les Beaux Monts is another Premier Cru vineyard in the Côte de Nuits region of Burgundy, situated at the border between Vosne-Romanée and Flagey-Echézeaux. Covering approximately 11.4 hectares (28.2 acres), it is the second-largest Premier Cru in Vosne-Romanée and one of its most prestigious and sought-after sites. The vineyard lies above and slightly northeast of Aux Brûlées, benefiting from a higher altitude and cooler exposure, which contributes to its distinctive elegance and refined structure.
The name “Beaux Monts” translates to “Beautiful Hills”, reflecting the vineyard’s gently sloping terrain and optimal sun exposure. The terroir is dominated by limestone and clay, ensuring excellent drainage, which promotes deep root penetration and enhances the mineral complexity in the wines. Higher elevation results in a slightly cooler microclimate, preserving acidity and aromatic freshness while moderating excessive ripening. The longer, more gradual ripening process enhances the wines’ balance, finesse, and aging potential.
Based on topography and terroir characteristics, Les Beaux Monts can be divided into two sections: Les Beaux Monts Hauts is located on the upper slopes, at a higher altitude with a relatively cooler climate. The soil is shallow and rich in limestone, providing excellent drainage, which supports deep root penetration and imparts elegance and a distinct mineral character to the wine. Les Beaux Monts Bas is located on the lower part of the slope, near the Echézeaux Grand Cru, at a lower elevation with deeper soils and a higher clay content, which contribute to the wine’s richer structure and depth. It is important to note that although Les Beaux Monts lies at the junction of Vosne-Romanée and Flagey-Echézeaux, Flagey-Echézeaux has no Premier Cru vineyards. As a result, all wines from this vineyard are classified and sold under the Vosne-Romanée Premier Cru appellation.
The 2017 vintage growing season: see above
The 2019 vintage was one of the hottest years in Burgundy’s recorded history, marking one of the most extreme climatic shifts in over 700 years. The growing season presented multiple challenges, starting with early spring frosts, which damaged some low-lying vineyards. This was followed by a hot and dry summer, which aided grape maturation, though June rainfall led to uneven fruit set, ultimately reducing yields. However, the smaller berry size increased the skin-to-juice ratio, resulting in wines with deeper color, higher flavor concentration, and outstanding tannic structure. The 2019 red wines from Burgundy exhibit elegance and depth, abundant fruit expression, and excellent acidity, offering both immediate drinkability and long-term aging potential. This vintage is widely regarded as a classic that embodies both power and finesse.
Domaine Jean Grivot 2019 Vosne-Romanée Premier Cru Au Brûlées 94
Deep ruby color. The intricate and elegant aromatic profile offers notes of plum, red cherry, violet, and lavender, complemented with subtle spice nuances. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied, with fine-grained yet firmly structured tannins. The moderate acidity ensures precise balance, characteristic of Vosne-Romanée’s wines refined expression. The long, lingering finish is marked by distinct mineral notes and delicate spice undertones, adding to its multi-layered complexity and expressiveness. Already alluring now, in its youth, this wine will continue to evolve over the next eight to ten years, developing greater complexity and depth, ultimately unveiling a more mature and sophisticated flavor profile. Drinking Window: 2024–2035
Domaine Jean Grivot owns 0.26 hectares in Aux Brûlées, with vines planted in 1969. The estate follows organic viticulture, with strict hand-harvesting to ensure optimal fruit selection. In the winery, 100% destemming is practiced, followed by fermentation in stainless steel tanks. The wine is then aged for 18 months in oak barrels, with 40% new oak, enhancing its complexity and aging potential.
Domaine Hudelot-Noellat 2017 Vosne-Romanée Premier Cru Les Beaumonts 93
Brilliant ruby in color. Intricate bouquet of ripe red fruits, violet, rose petals, and subtle hints of spice and earth. The palate is well-balanced, with fine-grained tannins, bright acidity, and a long finish with a slight bitterness. While already displaying alluring fruit and delicate structure in its youth, further bottle aging will enhance its complexity and depth. The wine is aged for 16 months in French oak barrels, 30% of which are new, imparting delicate spice notes and subtle oak influence while maintaining elegance and balance. No filtration or fining is conducted before bottling to preserve the wine’s integrity and complexity. Drinking Window: 2024–2036
The estate owns approximately 0.314 hectares of vineyards in the Les Beaux Monts parcel, with vines averaging between 60 and 70 years old, contributing to the wine’s depth and complexity. Situated on the upper slopes, the vineyard has thin soils primarily composed of clay and limestone, rich in minerals, ensuring excellent structure and a refined expression of flavors. Practicing organic viticulture, the estate employs hand harvesting, with 80% destemming, followed by fermentation under temperature-controlled conditions to preserve the purity of the fruit.
Les Chaumes & Les Gaudichots Premier Crus: Terroir Analysis and Characteristics
Les Chaumes and Les Gaudichots are two of Vosne-Romanée’s most distinguished Premier Cru vineyards, each showcasing unique expressions of the appellation’s world-renowned terroir.
Les Chaumes, covering approximately 6.5 hectares, is located at the foot of the southwestern slopes of Vosne-Romanée, adjacent to La Tâche Grand Cru and Aux Malconsorts Premier Cru. The vineyard benefits from consistent daytime sunlight and a relatively warm microclimate, making it one of the earlier-harvested sites in the village. The soil is primarily composed of clay and limestone, with a relatively thick and fertile topsoil, which encourages vigorous vine growth. Careful canopy management is required to prevent excessive vegetative growth and ensure optimal fruit concentration. The vineyard benefits from consistent daytime sunlight and a warm microclimate, making it one of the earlier-harvested sites in the village. Wines from Les Chaumes are known for their approachability, elegance, and finesse, featuring aromas of ripe red fruits, violets, rose petals, and subtle spice notes. The palate is round and supple, with silky tannins and a long, layered finish, making it a more accessible and charming expression of Vosne-Romanée compared to more structured Premier Crus such as Aux Malconsorts.
Les Gaudichots, though lesser known than Les Chaumes, holds an historic significance as it was once part of La Tâche Grand Cru before vineyard classifications were formalized. n fact, a portion of Les Gaudichots was actually kept within the grand crus borders, and so is now considered a part of, and goes by the name of, the grand cru. Originally spanning nearly six hectares, Les Gaudichot’s size was significantly reduced in 1936, when 4.63 hectares were incorporated into La Tâche, followed by another 0.23 hectares being annexed into the La Grande Rue Grand Cru in 1978. Today, Les Gaudichots covers less than 1 hectare, making it the smallest Premier Cru in Vosne-Romanée. Situated at the southern border of La Tâche, it shares many of the legendary Grand Cru’s attributes, including superb drainage, excellent sun exposure, and a finely balanced clay-limestone soil composition. Covering a much smaller area than Les Chaumes, Les Gaudichots produces wines with greater structure, depth, and aging potential, often displaying a darker fruit profile, intense floral aromas, and an underlying mineral complexity. Due to its prime location and exceptional terroir, wines from Les Gaudichots are often highly sought after and can rival some Grand Cru expressions in quality.
Both vineyards exemplify the diversity within Vosne-Romanée’s Premier Cru sites, with Les Chaumes offering immediate elegance and charm, while Les Gaudichots provides a more powerful, structured, and age-worthy profile.
Domaine Méo-Camuzet 2020 Vosne-Romanée Premier Cru Les Chaumes 93
Brilliant ruby hue. Elegant and refined nose of ripe red fruits (cherry, wild berries, and raspberry), complemented by violet, rose petals, and delicate spice notes. The rounded palate is supported by silky tannins, leading to a long, layered finish, embodying the opulent and expressive style of Vosne-Romanée. Compared to the estate’s more structured wines, Les Chaumes is notably more approachable and easy-drinking, owing to its thicker, more fertile soils, which result in vines with greater vigor. The wine is immediately charming in its youth but also possesses good aging potential, developing further complexity with time. The grapes are hand-harvested, meticulously sorted, and fermented under temperature-controlled conditions to preserve purity and freshness. The wine is then aged for 16–18 months in French oak barrels, with 50% new oak, imparting subtle spice and oak complexity without overpowering the wine’s natural balance. Drinking Window: 2026–2035
Domaine Méo-Camuzet is one of the most prestigious estates in the Côte de Nuits, managing approximately 17.5 hectares of vineyards, including iconic Grand Crus such as Richebourg and Clos de Vougeot, along with Premier Cru sites in Vosne-Romanée and Nuits-Saint-Georges. Additionally, the estate oversees three Grand Cru vineyards in Corton, located in the Côte de Beaune, showcasing its extensive expertise in terroir-driven winemaking.
The estate was founded in the early twentieth century by Etienne Camuzet, who not only served as the mayor of Vosne-Romanée but also held office as a council member of the Côte d’Or for thirty years. Alongside his political career, he actively expanded the estate by acquiring top-quality vineyards, establishing the foundation for what would become one of Burgundy’s leading domaines. After Etienne’s passing, the estate remained in the family and was later taken over in 1984 by Jean-Nicolas Méo, who, under the guidance of legendary Burgundian winemaker Henri Jayer, transformed it into one of the most highly regarded producers in the Côte de Nuits, with its wines sought after by collectors worldwide.
In the Les Chaumes Premier Cru, the domaine owns approximately two hectares, within a total vineyard area of 6.5 hectares, positioned at the foot of the southwestern slopes of Vosne-Romanée, adjacent to La Tâche Grand Cru and Aux Malconsorts Premier Cru. The terroir consists of clay and limestone soils, with a shallow profile rich in minerals, contributing to the fine structure and classic Vosne-Romanée character of the wines. Since 1992, the estate has employed organic farming practices, respecting the natural expression of the terroir. Domaine Méo-Camuzet’s precise winemaking, deep understanding of terroir, and seamless balance between tradition and modern techniques have solidified its status as one of Burgundy’s top estates.
Domaine Machard de Gramont 2014 Vosne-Romanée Premier Cru Les Gaudichots 96
Deep, brilliant ruby color, with garnet reflections at the rim, hinting at signs of bottle aging while maintaining exceptional clarity and vibrancy. The nose is immediately expressive, bursting with ripe red berries, raspberry, strawberry, and red cherry, gradually evolving into deeper notes of blackcurrant and black plum. As it aerates, the bouquet further unfolds, revealing floral aromas of rose and violet, accompanied by delicate oriental spices (cinnamon, clove), licorice, and black pepper, creating a complex and layered aromatic profile. With further oxidation, earthy notes of damp forest floor, mushrooms, and dried leaves emerge, along with subtle hints of leather, tobacco, and a refined mineral core, adding depth and dimension to the wine. On the palate, the wine is silky and seamless, with refined yet concentrated red fruit flavors, balanced by a touch of dark fruit depth. The medium to full-bodied texture is supported by bright acidity, bringing vibrancy and purity to the flavor profile. The tannins are fine-grained and smooth, harmonizing beautifully with the wine’s structure, perfectly embodying the elegance and precision of Vosne-Romanée. The oak aging contributes subtle notes of vanilla, light toast, and spice, complementing the fruit while maintaining a well-integrated and multidimensional character. The long and profound finish lingers with minerality and saline nuances, followed by a delicate touch of dark chocolate and spice, further enhancing its impressive aging potential. Drinking Window: 2024–2038
Domaine Machard de Gramont, based in Prissey, was founded in 1983 by Bertrand Machard de Gramont. The estate spans six hectares, with 5.4 hectares dedicated to Pinot Noir, reflecting its focus on red wine craftsmanship. Domaine Machard de Gramont received organic certification in 2014, adhering to sustainable viticulture practices. The vines, planted in the 1960s, thrive in limestone- and clay-rich soils, imparting an elegant mineral character, excellent concentration, and fine-grained tannin structure, showcasing the quintessential style of Vosne-Romanée. The estate owns approximately 0.20 hectares in Les Gaudichots.
Aux Malconsorts and Aux Malconsoorts Christiane: Terroir Analysis and Characteristics: Terroir Analysis and Characteristics
At the northeastern corner of Aux Malconsorts, there is a small parcel known as “Christiane”, covering approximately 0.48 hectares. This plot was acquired by Domaine de Montille in 2005, and due to its distinct terroir characteristics, the estate decided to vinify it separately and name it “Christiane” in honor of Etienne de Montille’s mother. Although Christiane is geographically adjacent to Aux Malconsorts, it is not an independent Premier Cru but rather a distinct section within the vineyard. The wines from Christiane exhibit unique flavor profiles, distinguishing themselves from the main Aux Malconsorts vineyard and showcasing the individual expression of this exceptional terroir.
The 2014 vintage growing season: was a challenging yet ultimately rewarding year for red wines from Vosne-Romanée. The growing season started off smoothly, but a hailstorm on June 28 caused severe damage in parts of Burgundy. Fortunately, the vineyards of Vosne-Romanée were relatively less affected. In August, unfavorable weather conditions and significant rainfall slowed the ripening process, resulting in a longer growing season. However, after August 25, the weather shifted dramatically, bringing ample sunshine and optimal temperatures, which created ideal conditions for final ripening. This favorable late-season weather allowed the grapes to achieve optimal maturity, with thick skins, intense flavors, and well-balanced acidity. Overall, the 2014 Vosne-Romanée reds exhibit elegant structure, rich fruit expression, and a classic style, with strong aging potential.
Domaine Sylvain Cathiard & Fils 2014 Vosne-Romanée Premier Cru Aux Malconsorts 94
Deep ruby hue. The complex nose blends lively red fruits and rich dark fruits. The red fruit notes, including fresh raspberry, strawberry, and red cherry, bring vibrancy and a delicate fruit-driven freshness, while blackcurrant, black plum, and wild blackberry add depth and intensity, creating a multi-layered complexity. These fruit aromas are interwoven with violet and rose floral notes, as well as subtle hints of exotic spices, licorice, and black pepper. On the palate, the wine reveals intense fruit concentration and lively acidity, ensuring excellent balance and structure. The fine-grained, well-integrated tannins contribute to a long and elegant finish, with lingering mineral nuances and spice-driven complexity. For this 2014 wine, the estate employed 100% destemming, followed by a 10-day cold maceration to extract vibrant color and concentrated flavors. Fermentation was carried out with native yeasts, and the wine was aged for 18 months in French oak barrels, 67% of which were new, further enhancing complexity and aging potential. The winemaking process involved no fining or filtration, preserving the wine’s purity and authenticity. Minimal sulfur dioxide was added only after malolactic fermentation (MLF) to ensure stability. Drinking Window: 2024–2036
Domaine Sylvain Cathiard & Fils is one of the most esteemed estates in the Côte de Nuits, Burgundy. The domaine owns 0.75 hectares in Aux Malconsorts, with vines planted in 1972, located adjacent to the renowned La Tâche Grand Cru. The deep red clay soils contribute to the exceptional structure and complexity of the wine. While the estate practices organic viticulture, it has not pursued official certification, focusing instead on precise vineyard and soil management to ensure optimal grape ripeness.
Domaine de Montille 2014 Vosne Romanée Premier Cru Aux Malconsorts Chrstiane 94
Deep ruby hue. Fresh, lively and tight blackcurrant and black cherry aromas and flavors, accompanied by rich spice and mineral notes. Bright acidity nicely frames the suave texture and silky, fine tannins. The overall balance is excellent; compared to the classic Malconsorts, “Christiane” offers a finer grain, with a firm and long finish, showcasing strong elegance and depth. It demonstrates exceptional aging potential. Drinking Window: 2024–2036
