Domaine Michel Gaunoux Rugiens, Pommard Premier Cru 2007

Domaine Michel Gaunoux holds 10Ha of vines, half of which are in Pommard 1er Cru sites including the best plots of Rugiens and Epemots – two of the finest. This is old-school Burgundy andGaunoux wines are more mineral, lean, and more acidic than modern interpretations. This results in wines which can be difficult to taste in their youth, but here in this '07 vintage is a wine ready to enjoy with some decantation.

The domaine is perhaps under the radar when compared to others. Michel Gaunoux himself died in 1984. He was considered perhaps the most brilliant winemaker in Pommard. Son Alexandre was too young to take over the domain when his father died, so Madame Gaunoux continued her husband's work with the help of the long-time cellar master, creating the wines in exactly the same way as in previous years. Alexandre, now of age has been running the domain with his mother since 1990.

Techniques include spontaneous fermentation in large, old, open cuvettes, pigéage by hand, high fermentation temperatures to maximize extraction, and two-years of ageing in used oak.

The nose is sensual and slightly perfumed with lovely mineral and tertiary notes.

The palate shows vibrant fruit, elegance with a lovely acidity and transparency. Overall, lots of energy yet firm, robust with future ageability.

Hold or drink now with decantation.