HENRI GOUGES Nuits Saint Georges 1er Cru 'Les Vaucrains' 2018 Bottle

Description

The 2018 Nuits-Saint-Georges Les Vaucrains 1er Cru has received notable acclaim, earning 94 points from Decanter. Tim Atkin MW noted that this vintage, impacted by hail yet expressing more openness than usual, showcases sweet wild berry and strawberry jam flavours, supported by sinewy tannins and refreshing acidity. The reduced yields in the vineyard contributed to the wine's enhanced expressiveness. Vinous awarded it 92 points, praising its dark and broody nose, with briary, rooibos, and floral notes that develop with aeration. The palate is well-balanced, offering ample freshness and dark fruit, with a touch of spice on the finish. This heartwarming Nuits Saint-Georges promises to be enjoyable from 2024 to 2042, making it a compelling choice for wine enthusiasts.

*****

Domaine Henri Gouges is a renowned winery located in the Nuits-Saint-Georges region of Burgundy, France, with a history that dates back to 1920. The estate is particularly celebrated for its high-quality Pinot Noir wines, showcasing the unique terroir of the Côte de Nuits.

Henri Gouges was one of the pioneers of the Nuits-Saint-Georges appellation and has played a significant role in establishing the reputation of the region. The domaine spans approximately 18 hectares and includes several notable vineyards, including premier and grand cru sites.

Domaine Henri Gouges is known for its commitment to traditional winemaking practices, including hand-harvesting and minimal manipulation of the wine, allowing for genuine expressions of the terroir. The wines typically exhibit rich fruit flavours, length, and complexity, often combined with well-structured tannins.

The estate has maintained a legacy of consistency and quality, garnering praise from critics and wine lovers alike. With a focus on craftsmanship and authenticity, Domaine Henri Gouges continues to uphold its standing as one of the respected producers in Burgundy, offering wines that reflect the character and elegance of the region.

DECANTER 94 points
Tasted by: Tim Atkin MW
(at 2018 En primeur tastings, Burgundy, 21 Oct 2019)
Part of Burgundy: Meet 10 exceptional winemaking talents
Drinking Window: 2024 - 2030
Les Vaucrains was hit twice by hail in 2018 - in a year when even a single storm was rare - which reduced yields in the vineyard. This can be a little austere in most vintages - the bony soils sit right on the bedrock (hence its name, meaning 'worth nothing') - but is way less so here. Sweet wild berry and strawberry jam flavours are underpinned by sinewy tannins and supporting acidity.

VINOUS 92 points
Drinking Window 2024 - 2042
From: Dealing with the New Paradigm: Burgundy 2018 (Nov 2022)
The 2018 Nuits Saint-Georges Les Vaucrains 1er Cru has a dark and broody nose, briary and rooibos, quite floral, opening up with aeration. The palate is well balanced with ample freshness on the entry. Plenty of dark fruit, nicely structured, a touch of spice towards the finish though it does lack Pinoté. Overall, this is somehow a "heartwarming" Nuits Saint-Georges. Tasted blind at the Burgfest 2018 red tasting. - By Neal Martin on November 2022