Domaine Gerard Julien & Fils Cotes de Nuits-Villages 2020
The Wine
The Cotes de Nuits-Villages appellation encompasses the the villages of Premeaux-Prissey, Comblanchien and Corgoloin just south of Nuits-Saint-Georges. The vineyards benefit from east-facing hill-slopes which act as a sun-trap to create maximum ripeness in the grapes. The complex soil composition of these villages includes varying proportions of marl and shale clays which produce wines of great character and charm.
This wine is sourced from Comblanchien Village (located between Beaune and Nuits Saint Georges) and spread over the following 8 climates: Les Loges, Les Essarts, Aux Boulardes, Au Clos Bardot, La Platière, Les Retraits, Les Plantes aux Bois and La Julbigne.
"Deep colour, leaning more to the blue black spectrum. Subtle nose with notes of black fruits and berries. Quite a caressing and plush mouthfeel that catches me off guard. Nose characters transfer to the palate but there is also hint of scorched earth but not too obtrusive and sits well with all the other elements. No undue force here, evident of soft hands at play in the cellar. Unmistakably Burgundy, a really pleasant and satisfying drink. Well done Etienne!" TC
88-90 points, Allen Meadows Burghound ‘Here too the nose reflects notes of poached plum, dark berries and warm earth. The delicious and slightly more energetic medium weight flavors possess reasonably good detail on the lingering finish that is not quite as robust or rustic. As such, this should be approachable young if desired.’
The Details
Variety - Pinot Noir
Country - France
Region - Burgundy
Extra - Cork
Year - 2020
Volume - 750ml
About the Wine Maker 
Etienne Julien is one of Burgundy’s rising stars. The domaine is located in the village of Comblanchien, one of the three villages that make up the Cotes de Nuits-Villages (CDNV) appellation that's located between Beaune and Nuits St Georges.
Etienne’s family settled in the area in the ;late 1800s, when Francois Xavier Julien acquired vineyards. Francois son Armand and then his son Gerard increased the size of the holdings in the years post WW2 to the 1980s. In 2012, Gerard's son Etienne Julien (now 5th generation in the Domaine's history) took over the reins. Up until then, the domaine had been run in a very conservative and traditional manner.
Etienne, is one of a number young highly educated growers returning to their home domaines, bring new ideas and energy. His efforts to revitalise the operations has seen him implement an organic conversion program as well as reducing yields in the vineyard . Work now in the cellar is more precise, which is reflected in his wines - possessing more clarify and focus then in previous generations. Certainly a Domaine on the rise!
