Pinot Noir
75cl * 12.5% ABV * Organic *Burgundy, France
Gerard Julien et Fils is a producer that, for a long time, was easily overlooked. One reason might be that they were based in the village of Comblanchien, sandwiched between Nuits-Saint-Georges and Beaune, this unassuming French village was better know for its quarry than its vines. Perhaps the second reason was that they were 'just' making wine, albeit for 140 years. Nothing special, but the hard yards to make wine for the tables of many French diners. Apart from a few lucky acquisitions in Nuits-Saints-Georges and an exceptionally lucky purchase of an Echezeaux Grand Cru site, much remained the same.
That was until 2012, when everything changed. Etienne, the fifth generation, took the reins of the business and has become somewhat of an Enfants Terribles and rising star. His precision as a viticulturist and winemaker are exceptional. A once everyday wine is being elevated to some of the best up and coming wine in the whole Cote D'Or! Much of this achievement has come from Etienne's adherence to reducing the yields, cutting out chemicals in the vineyard, meticulous cellar work and increase in the use of new French oak.
Like so many of the wine from this young producer the wine is elegant and complex. This younger Pinot Noir is showing ripe red fruits, violets and a touch of spice. Structured and balanced this wine will age and improve with the lovely savoury notes of Pinot Noir. This is delicious because its a representation of the determination to quality that these winemakers have