2023 Domaine Desvignes Givry 1er Cru Clos du Vernoy Monopole, Burgundy

The 2023 Givry 1er Cru Le Clos du Vernoy Monopole comes from 0.7 hectares planted in 1961 and sees 20% new oak, which it handles easily thanks to its darker, more serious fruit profile. There’s good purity throughout, with bramble and blackberry-bush notes over a darker-soil register. Ripe acidity and powdery tannins provide a good base of tension that cinches the medium- to full-bodied wine into focus.

91+ points Kenna Wells, The Wine Advocate August 2026

Planted in 1962 by Gautier’s grandfather. Still giving good yields, probably too much earlier on. Deeper soil with fine clays thanks to erosion from Grand Berge above. This gives power with some tannins and a wealth of fruit. Gautier uses his best barrels for Clos du Vernoy, Hélix from François Frères. Another dark purple colour, this is headier, with full maturity of the grapes, there is more body and there are more tannins, with a slight blood orange character to the deep plum fruit. This will take a little longer to come round. Drink from 2029-2034. Tasted Sep 2025.

90 points Jasper Morris MW, Inside Burgundy

Domaine Desvignes is one of Givry's historic family estates, with roots in the Côte Chalonnaise stretching back generations. Today the domaine is led by Gautier and Aurélie Desvignes, who have brought renewed energy and precision to the family's vineyards while preserving a distinctly Burgundian approach to terroir. Clos du Vernoy is particularly special: a walled Premier Cru monopole of the domaine, giving Desvignes complete control of this individual vineyard from vine to bottle.

The 2023 vintage brought generous fruit and excellent ripeness, balanced by the freshness needed to retain perfume and definition. Careful vineyard work and sensitive élevage allow Clos du Vernoy's limestone and clay terroir to speak clearly, delivering a wine with greater depth and structure than its charming fruit initially suggests.

Bright ruby in colour, the bouquet opens with wild cherry, raspberry and red plum, followed by violets, sweet spice and subtle woodland notes. With air, hints of earth, crushed stone and fine savoury spice add complexity. The palate is supple yet finely structured, with juicy red fruits framed by polished tannins, lively acidity and a mineral undertow. There is lovely generosity through the middle palate before a long, savoury finish brings everything neatly into focus.

Wonderful with roast duck, pork belly with cherries, coq au vin, mushroom pithivier or a wedge of Époisses. Givry remains one of Burgundy's clever hunting grounds for quality and value, and this monopole Premier Cru offers considerably more pedigree than its price often suggests.

Cellaring: Drink now to 2037.