We’re often apprehensive when a new generation takes over a domaine. Young winemakers usually introduce needed modernization, but sometimes get caught chasing trendiness. No winemaker in our portfolio has more expertly balanced these impulses than Gautier Desvignes.
The impressive transformation chez Desvignes has not gone unnoticed. Vinous’s Neal Martin recently found Gautier’s wines “really quite superb.” And the Wine Advocate’s William Kelley calls the domaine “very much a Côte Chalonnaise address to watch,” and advising that “importers looking for a potential future star should beat a path to his door.”
Our customers have thoroughly enjoyed the fruits of Gautier’s winemaking renaissance. His village Givry is as good as entry level red Burgundy gets, and his premier cru Clos du Vernoy wowed people at our Newton Depot a few weeks ago. Even his white Givry, which we recently imported for the first time, has been making fans.
But the wine that shows just how far Gautier has been able to push his terroir is his Givry 1er cru “Clos Charlé.” In the 2017 vintage this seriously impressed Kelley, who awarded 92 points, finding “cassis and cherries… grilled meats, licorice and rich soil,” calling it a medium to full-bodied wine that’s the fleshiest, broadest-shouldered red in the range.”
This wine is proof that serious red Burgundy can be found outside the Côte d’Or. Givry continues to be a real source of value, and the wines continue to get better.
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Desvignes Givry 1er “Clos Charlé” 2017
bottle price: $38
FREE EAST COAST SHIPPING ON ANY 12 BOTTLES