Domaine Dominique Gruhier Bourgogne Epineuil Cuvée Juliette Rouge 2020

The village of Epineuil is located just northeast of Chablis, sharing the same Kimmeridgian soils. Bourgogne Epineuil is the regional AOC, created in 1993, for the reds which are 100% Pinot Noir. We tasted and positively adored this Cuvée Juliette, made from 50% whole cluster, 15 months in oak, only 10% new and no added sulfites. It’s ripe, velvety, delicious, and has oodles of violets, lavender, red berries…this is classic Burgundian Pinot Noir from a lesser-known AOC, and very worth seeking out. Dominique only makes about 600 cases of Juliette each year from his oldest vines.  

Dominique Gruhier hasn't had it easy, getting his domaine to this point. Throughout his many troubles which included frozen vineyards, fires and lawsuits, he remained one of the warmest, most charming, welcoming, well-mannered, and smiling men in Burgundy. As his domaine and his relatively obscure appellation began to attract more customers, he has been able to make the investments and changes that were necessary to let his talent shine. What beautiful wines have emerged! Fine, sexy, juicy, vivacious, saline and chalky. They are some of the greatest values we have tasted in Burgundy, and what we like to think of as 'Chablisien Pinot Noir'.