From: Burgundy, France
Varietal: 100% Pinot Noir
Tasting Notes: The wine is stunningly distinct and assertive. The mid-palate is intensely mineral, and the finish long and chalky. The fruit is so vibrant and acidulated in red fruit vintages that it feels bioluminescent, and even black fruit vintages in Epineuil have the energy of red fruit. Dominique’s whole-cluster, light extraction, low sulfur winemaking is fruit-driven and transparent.
In 2012, this historic estate celebrated its 800th anniversary under one very motivated man, Dominique Gruhier. Dom took over this estate in 1990 and eventually found his way to organic practice and certification by 2010. Moved by the results of converting to organic practice, began a full renaissance of the estate, which now produces a stunning range of wine from the nearly forgotten red Burgundy appellation outside of Chablis, called Epineuil. The jovial and very casual Dominique ceaselessly wears his welcoming smile while he takes you through the journey that he began a quarter-century ago. The wines are classically styled and with the change of philosophy (and climate!) have found new depth and promise. This is one of the greatest red wine-producing estates from the northernmost appellations in Burgundy.