Domaine Georges Noellat - Vosne-Romanee 1er Cru 'Les Beaux Monts' 2022

Georges Noëllat was the nephew of Charles Noëllat, who was once the proprietor of one of Vosne’s greatest domaines—a domaine who made important contributions to Domaines Jean-Jacques Confuron and Hudelot Noëllat, and even formed the vast majority of Domaine Leroy. As of 1990, Domaine Georges Noëllat sold its production to Jadot and Drouhin for 20 years. Enter 20-year-old Maxime Cheurlin in 2010, who consequently took over the management of the estate from his grandmother. Cheurlin grew up in Champagne, but it seems Burgundy wine is truly in his blood as he is a nephew of the Jayer family and a cousin of Emmanuel Rouget’s sons. Thus, he complemented his winemaking studies at the Lycée du Viticole in Beaune with stages at Domaine Emmanuel Rouget and Domaine Gros Frère et Soeur in 2009.

Small but mighty, the 5.5-hectare domaine includes some of the most profound terroirs of Vosne Romanée and northern Nuits St Georges. Maxime inherited a large proportion of old vines that he intends to preserve, requiring special attention and care. The viticultural approach is thus lutte raisonnée, and treatments are only implemented in response to an imminent threat.

Even so early into his winemaking career, Maxime has already earned a reputation for his elegant style. Grapes are hand-harvested, 100% de-stemmed (except in a few rare cases where up to 30% of stems may be included), and cool macerated for a few days before fermentation begins (native yeasts only). Maxime prefers the term “infusion” to extraction, so punch downs are rare and gentle. Aged in 50% new oak barrels for 18 months, and the wines are bottled generally without fining or filtration.

"A concentrated central core of intense purple which mirrors the intensity of the fruit on the palate. Possibly less nuanced than I have sometimes tasted it, but early days, A very refined finish. More to come later on the nose, I suspect. Perfectly judged ripeness in the fruit." - 95 Points, Jasper Morris, MW

94 Points, Burghound"(from a .45 ha parcel). A perfumed, spicy and elegant nose freely reveals its array of plum, dark berries, exotic tea, violet and sandalwood wisps. The tension-filled and even more mineral-driven middleweight flavors possess a sleek mouthfeel that also suffuses the moderately austere and impressively persistent finish. This classy and stylish effort is impeccably well-balanced and also very much worth investigating.” - 94 Points, Burghound 

"The 2022 Vosne-Romanée Les Beaux Monts 1er Cru was completely de-stemmed. It takes a while to get going on the nose, with hints of blackcurrant pastilles, rose petals and a touch of iodine. It becomes more floral with time. The medium-bodied palate has velvety smooth tannins and a fine bead of acidity, sorbet-fresh, with a hint of licorice developing on the finish. It will need some bottle age to smooth its edges. Very fine, but one for the more patient amongst you.” - 94 Points, Vinous

Producer: Georges Noellat

Country: France

Region: Burgundy

Varietal: Pinot Noir

Appellation: Vosne-Romanée 1er Cru

Vintage: 2022

Size: 750ml