En Primeur | Domaine Justin Girardin
The Girardin family and their delightful wines embody the values of a classic Burgundian domaine. The family history dates to 1570 and their vineyard holding of 17 hectares represents a sizeable estate in Burgundian terms. The young and extremely talented Justin, now in his early 30s, assumed total control in 2015 but he is happy to say that he is ably supported by his mother Valérie and father Jacques. This was brought home to us this autumn when we enjoyed a delightful post-Covid dinner with them; it really was a happy occasion highlighting the close-knit family unit, and their wines have very much the same feel.
2022 Santenay Blanc Les Terrasses de Bievaux Justin Girardin
£130.00 In Bond £175.24 Inc VAT (£29.20 Per Bottle)-
Goedhuis, December 2023
The steeply terraced slopes of Bievaux have a natural coolness giving this wine an excellent freshness. In 2022, with his focus on fruit and terroir, Justin opted for larger oak barrels (400 litre as opposed to 228) for aging this cuvée to reduce the wood impact on the wine, with a first-rate result. Freshly squeezed lime juice notes flow into a taut vigour from the chalk-based soil. The southern exposition gives very expressive full fruit and a deliciously rewarding creamy finish.
2022 Santenay Blanc Les Terrasses de Bievaux Justin Girardin
£135.00 In Bond £181.24 Inc VAT (£60.41 Per Bottle)-
Goedhuis, December 2023
The steeply terraced slopes of Bievaux have a natural coolness giving this wine an excellent freshness. In 2022, with his focus on fruit and terroir, Justin opted for larger oak barrels (400 litre as opposed to 228) for aging this cuvée to reduce the wood impact on the wine, with a first-rate result. Freshly squeezed lime juice notes flow into a taut vigour from the chalk-based soil. The southern exposition gives very expressive full fruit and a deliciously rewarding creamy finish.
2022 Meursault Les Clous Justin Girardin
£270.00 In Bond £343.24 Inc VAT (£57.20 Per Bottle)-
Goedhuis, January 2024
A very pleasant Meursault from a parcel of land that sits just above the 1er cru vineyards. With a hint of earthiness on the nose, the palate balances breadth and richness with a rewarding steeliness and freshness. The finish has terrific length making it a beautiful addition to Justin’s range for us this year.
2022 Chassagne Montrachet 1er Cru Morgeot Justin Girardin
£445.00 In Bond £553.24 Inc VAT (£92.20 Per Bottle)-
Goedhuis, January 2024
Morgeot is the vilage’s largest Premier Cru with many subdivisions and nuances but, in essence, produces full textured wines which are a brilliant portrayal of Chassagne Montrachet. It opens with perfumed white peach and peony. A structured style, with breadth and volume, this is lifted by flavours of grapefruit and lemon zest, and a lively touch of acid freshness on the finish.
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Jasper Morris MW, December 2023, Score: 91-93
4 barrels from their own vines in Clos Charreau, plus one more barrel purchased. An attractive pale lemon and lime. A fine generosity of fruit with a refreshing backbone, slightly lime infused. Overall, this treads with light feet while still representing the long-term potential of Morgeot. Drink from 2026-2032. Tasted: October 2023.
2022 Santenay Rouge 1er Cru Clos Rousseau Justin Girardin
£145.00 In Bond £193.24 Inc VAT (£32.20 Per Bottle)-
Goedhuis, January 2024
Sitting high up at the southern boundary of the appellation, this is a relatively cool vineyard which flourished in 2022. Dark in colour, this Santenay has an intense fragrance of autumnal forest fruit and spice, while the ripe flavours are balanced perfectly by tension and freshness. Not only is this already approachable, but it also has the ability to age.
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Jasper Morris MW, December 2023, Score: 88-91
Deep purple. The strictest bouquet of the three Santenay 1ers Crus, being at slightly higher elevation as we approach Maranges. A little more topsoil here, Clos Rousseau has kept the freshness the best of the three. A fine, concentrated, medium bodied red fruit across the palate, just the right acidity, with excellent length. Drink from 2027-2033. Tasted: October 2023.
2022 Santenay Rouge 1er Cru Clos Rousseau Justin Girardin
£160.00 In Bond £211.24 Inc VAT (£70.41 Per Bottle)-
Goedhuis, January 2024
Sitting high up at the southern boundary of the appellation, this is a relatively cool vineyard which flourished in 2022. Dark in colour, this Santenay has an intense fragrance of autumnal forest fruit and spice, while the ripe flavours are balanced perfectly by tension and freshness. Not only is this already approachable, but it also has the ability to age.
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Jasper Morris MW, December 2023, Score: 88-91
Deep purple. The strictest bouquet of the three Santenay 1ers Crus, being at slightly higher elevation as we approach Maranges. A little more topsoil here, Clos Rousseau has kept the freshness the best of the three. A fine, concentrated, medium bodied red fruit across the palate, just the right acidity, with excellent length. Drink from 2027-2033. Tasted: October 2023.
2022 Savigny lès Beaune 1er cru Les Peuillets Justin Girardin
£150.00 In Bond £199.24 Inc VAT (£33.20 Per Bottle)-
Goedhuis, December 2023
Savigny’s last Premier Cru before arriving at the slopes of Beaune has warm sandy soils which produce a very approachable style of wine. Dark cherry in colour and aroma, this has deep plush black fruit flavours. The tannins are present but are in keeping with the abundant fruit, giving length and personality.
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Jasper Morris MW, December 2023, Score: 87-90
Quite powerful purple. The fruit has got fully ripe on the sandy soil of Peuillets. More lifted on the palate, ripe strawberries, but fresher than the bouquet suggested, perhaps with a fraction higher volatility which gives this effect. Drink from 2026-2032. Tasted: October 2023.