Domaine Dominique Gruhier Bourgogne Epineuil 2021, Burgundy, France

Epineuil is a tiny commune of only 100 hectares in total. It is located in the Tonnerrois region in northern France, making it a very cool winemaking region. The famous Kimmeridgian limestone soils, like that of Chablis, combined with a unique microclimate, facilitate very good growing conditions for Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Gris. This microclimate is due to the Langres Plateau which protects the vineyards of Epineuil from extremely cold winds that would otherwise create unfavorable conditions for Pinot Noir. The wine is stunningly distinct and assertive. The mid-palate is intensely mineral, and the finish long and chalky. The fruit is so vibrant and acidulated in red fruit vintages that it feels bioluminescent, and even black fruit vintages in Epineuil have the energy of red fruit. Dominique’s whole-cluster, light extraction, low sulfur winemaking is fruit-driven and transparent. Rare are the pinots in Burgundy that combine such vivacity, chalkiness and sexiness.