DOMAINE GEORGES JOILLOT

A fantastic introduction by Arthur Gras (Domaine Alain Gras). We were absolutely smitten and seduced by the gorgeous silky textures, freshness and sheer class of these wines. This traditional 14 hectare family domaine, founded in 1929 and situated adjacent to Chateau de Pommard, had a new lease of life breathed into it in 2019, when the young generation took over its running. Today at the helm are Jeanne Joillot (great grand-daughter of the founder, Robert Joillot), her step-brother, Simon Goutard and Jeanne’s husband, Gregoire Guidot. The property was re-named in 2019 in honour of Jeanne’s grandfather, Georges.

There are no secrets here. Fastidious attention in the vines, with grass cover and labourage, harvesting at a balanced level of ripeness in small, perforated crates and strict sorting of the grapes – which are then 100% destemmed. Vinification is traditional, in open-topped fermenters, for 10-20 days and there is particular emphasis on measured extraction – particularly in Pommard – to ensure that the finished wines are seamless, graceful and accessible. They use 20% to 30% new oak barrels for between 10 and 14 months. Their wines are bottled without filtration.

The wines where we have most to offer this year include the gorgeously lush, succulent Pommard Vieilles Vignes which comes from 11 separate parcels, including Les Vaumuriens, with an average age of 55 years. Pommard Les Noizons, is from 40 year old vines facing south-south-east and situated at 300-350 meters, above the premier crus of Les Charmots and Les Pezerolles. Planted on Oobioclastic and gravelly limestone soils, the resulting wine offers great complexity, freshness and purity of fruit. Volnay 1er Cru Les Taillepieds, from 60 year old vines, is a magnificent example of this exceptional site – allying power, richness, intensity and concentration with a lithe, sensual, graceful profile. Their other offerings are equally noteworthy but, initially, are only available in tiny quantities.

https://www.domaine-joillot.com/