The producer
The domaine was established in 1990 by Jean-Michel Gaunoux, who had previously worked at the family domaine with his father Francois Gaunoux. Jean-Michel owns land in three of the arguably finest premier crus in Meursault, including Perrieres, Genevrieres, and Les Gouttes d’Or. Vineyard work is sustainable, J-M eschews pesticide use, and winemaking is traditional with around 15-30% new oak barrels used for fermentation and ageing. Gaunoux’ are frequently some of the richest wines in the village.
The wine
Gaunoux’s Genevrieres plots are just north of Charmes in the southern section of the Meursault village. At 260 meters altitude, the vineyard faces due east, and has clay and iron rich red soils. The vineyard is named after the juniper bushes that once grew here – some say that the wines have an inherent herbaceousness derived from the juniper. Gaunoux’ Genevrieres ages for around 15 months in 15-30% new oak barrels, depending on the ripeness of the fruit. This is a wine of finesse and elegance, yet with the characteristic density and concentration of the domaine.
