2022 Vincent Girardin Beaune 1er Cru Clos Les Aigrots, Burgundy

20% whole bunch vinification. Mid purple. Some fresh red fruit with a darker edge. This is definitely a hillside limestone style of Beaune yet with good clean red fruit, and a pleasing discretion. Drink from 2027-2030. Tasted Nov 2023.

88-90 points Jasper Morris MW insideburgundy.com

Vincent Girardin Beaune 1er Cru Clos Les Aigrots is a superb red Burgundy offering exceptional value for a premier cru wine. Crafted by Vincent Girardin, a producer renowned for his meticulous approach to both vineyard management and winemaking, this wine reflects the elegance and terroir-driven finesse that makes Burgundy so special. Girardin’s commitment to sustainable viticulture and minimal intervention in the cellar ensures wines of purity, balance, and depth.

Clos Les Aigrots is a monopole vineyard located in Beaune, one of Burgundy’s historic wine villages. This premier cru site benefits from southeast-facing slopes and a mix of limestone and clay soils, ideal for producing Pinot Noir with complexity and refinement. The vineyard's position at a slightly higher altitude allows for cooler growing conditions, which preserve acidity and enhance aromatic precision.

The grapes are hand-harvested and sorted to ensure optimal quality. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats with indigenous yeasts to enhance the natural expression of the fruit. The wine is aged for 14-16 months in French oak barrels, approximately 20% new, striking a perfect balance between structure and subtle oak influence.

In the glass, the wine reveals a brilliant ruby-red hue. The nose is complex and inviting, with aromas of red cherries, raspberries, and wild strawberries, layered with hints of violet, earth, and a touch of spice. On the palate, it is medium-bodied and silky, with fine-grained tannins and vibrant acidity supporting flavors of fresh red fruit, forest floor, and a subtle mineral note. The finish is long and harmonious, highlighting the wine's premier cru pedigree.

This wine is versatile at the table, pairing beautifully with dishes like duck breast with cherry sauce, roasted pork, or mushroom risotto. Its balance and finesse make it an excellent choice for both casual dinners and special occasions. While approachable now, it has the structure to age gracefully for 5-10 years, gaining complexity over time.