2011 Domaine Jean-Michel Gaunoux, Meursault, White Burgundy, France.
Jean-Michel Gaunoux is legendary, and it was a thrill to meet him and taste through his line up of Meursault, plus his reds, everything was precise and beautifully crafted with the bonus of being gorgeous already, these 2011 wines are open and generous even now. Gaunoux is famed for his glorious Chardonnay and like Roulot and Jobard are coveted by Meursault fans around the world, these wines are on another level than most, sadly until now I’d only had a very few chances to taste the Gaunoux wines, so after hearing about them for more than a decade, this was a special moment and it surpassed expectations. While his top crus are magnificent and unforgettable, I maybe was most impressed by his AC regular bottling of Meursault, this is fantastic stuff and quality from start to finish and while 2011 doesn’t get the hype and press love that 2010 gets, it is a stunning vintage for Burgundy drinkers, not the speculators, more the pleasure for us, and Gaunoux’s wines are truly delicious. The 2011 Meursault starts with fine perfume of white flowers, wet stones and touches of earth, spice and sea leading to a round and textured palate of white peach, lemon and apple fruits with hints of spiced pear, hazelnut and steely notes, this is classy and vibrant Chardonnay with good depth, a rich character and taught acidity. This beauty drinks sublimely now, but has plenty of potential to age another decade, it certainly will not disappoint now or later, drink from 2015-2020.
($70 Est.) 93 Points, grapelive