JEAN-JACQUES GIRARD Beaune 1er Cru 'Clos du Roi' 2019 Bottle

Description

IN BRIEF
Jean Jacques Girard Beaune 1er Cru Clos du Roi 2019 exemplifies warm dry 2019 Burgundy with ripe fruit yet lively acidity. From clay and limestone soils it shows clear garnet colour and an expressive bouquet of red cherry raspberry wild strawberry and a darker seam of bramble with Morello cherry compote. Rose petal and crushed violet lift the aromatics while forest floor dried porcini and ironstone add savoury depth. Medium bodied and silky the palate offers pure red fruit up front then a firmer mid palate tannic stitch gives backbone and drive. Bright acidity frames flavours of beetroot black tea and a faint peppery spice while a saline mineral thread leads to a persistent finish. Recommended drink 2024 to 2034.

ABOUT THIS WINE
The 2019 growing season in Burgundy was warm and dry, producing ripe, generous fruit with excellent phenolic ripeness while still retaining enough acidity in well managed sites. Jean-Jacques Girard Beaune 1er Cru Clos du Roi 2019 comes from a classic Beaune site on clay and limestone soils that give a nicely balanced combination of red fruit intensity and savoury structure. Grapes are hand-harvested, fermented with gentle extraction to preserve perfume and purity, and the wine sees élevage in French oak with a modest proportion of new barrels to lend structure and discreet spice without masking primary fruit.

The wine pours a clear garnet with a youthful bright rim and offers an open, expressive bouquet. Red cherry, raspberry and wild strawberry lead, joined by a darker seam of bramble and a touch of Morello cherry compote. Floral notes of rose petal and a crushed violet perfume lift the aromatics while a subtle savoury undercurrent of forest floor, dried porcini and ironstone adds terroir depth. Oak contributes gentle clove and cedar spice rather than overt toast.

On the palate the 2019 is medium-bodied, silky and finely knit. The attack is generous with pure red fruit, then a firmer mid-palate tannic stitch provides backbone and drive. Acidity is lively and frames the fruit, giving the wine energy and freshness. Mid-palate complexity brings hints of beetroot earthiness, black tea and a faint peppery spice, while a saline mineral thread runs through to a persistent finish marked by a return of dried red berry, a touch of bittersweet cocoa and lingering savoury notes.

Suggested drinking window 2024 to 2034. Serve at 14 to 16°C and decant if drinking early in the window. Food pairings include roast poussin with thyme and lemon, beef bourguignon, pan-seared duck breast with a cherry jus, wild mushroom risotto with shaved comté, or a board of cured meats and aged cheeses. Overall this Clos du Roi 2019 combines Beaune charm with firm structure and will reward both immediate enjoyment and modest cellaring.

JANCIS ROBINSON 17.5 points
Drink: 2024 - 2030
Luscious and gentle. Complete and already fun to drink – because of the vintage? Lots still to chew on. (JR)

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ABOUT JEAN-JACQUES GIRARD
Jean-Jacques Girard is a small Burgundy vigneron known for producing terroir-expressive wines with a clear focus on site specificity and artisanal cellarcraft. The domaine is family run and works modest, carefully tended holdings that typically include both Chardonnay and Pinot Noir across village and sometimes premier cru parcels. Vine age and low yields are priorities to concentrate flavour and texture.

Viticulture at Girard emphasises attentive canopy management, green harvesting when necessary and selective hand harvesting to ensure optimal ripeness and sanitary fruit. The team favours minimal intervention in the vineyard to promote healthy soils and balanced vines; many growers of this profile adopt organic or low-input practices, and Girard’s approach is equally respectful of natural balance even if certifications vary by vintage or parcel.

Winemaking is precise and restrained with a parcel by parcel philosophy. Grapes are gently handled and carefully sorted. Whites are typically whole-cluster pressed with fermentation in barrel or neutral vessels, followed by extended élevage on the fine lees to build depth and mouthfeel while preserving primary aromatics. Oak use is measured and chosen to support texture rather than impart overt toast. Red winemaking focuses on gentle extraction, careful temperature control and the selective use of whole bunches depending on vintage character; maturation in French oak is tailored to each cuvée.

Stylistically Jean-Jacques Girard’s whites tend to show a blend of citrus and stone fruit with floral lift, saline minerality and a rounded but energetic mid-palate that responds well to ageing. Pinots show red and dark fruit, floral notes and fine, supple tannins with underlying mineral and savoury threads. Overall the wines aim for clarity, balance and longevity.