VINCENT GIRARDIN
BURGUNDY, FRANCE 2022
Why Buy: The wines of Vincent Girardin have been on a remarkable upward trajectory, earning the deep admiration of critics and collectors alike and elevating the estate into the upper echelon of Burgundy. Girardin’s fruit comes fromthe region's most prestigious terroirs, including historic Grand Cru and Premier Cru vineyards. His red wines derive their power, in large part, from whole cluster fermentation, which adds aromatic complexity and structural finesse to the wines, contributing subtle spice notes and remarkable aging potential. For his white wines, he employs a gentle pneumatic press to preserve delicate flavors, and vinifies each parcel separately, with varying percentages of new French oak. It all results in a captivating portfolio of whites and reds that deliver electric energy, depth of flavor, expressive power, and superb structure, and that are certain to evolve gracefully over the decades. Collectors have taken notice, and his star is ascendant. Now's the moment to secure your bottles from this visionary producer.
The Specs: The winemaking, under the steady, exacting direction of Eric Germain, combines cutting-edge techniques with reverence for tradition. He utilizes a gentle pneumatic press to extract juice while preserving delicate aromas. Each vineyard is vinified separately, with judicious use of French oak (20-30% new for village wines, up to 40% for Premiers Crus, and 50% for Grands Crus). The wines then ferment with indigenous yeasts and rest on the lees with minimal stirring, which preserves tension and minerality. For the reds, Germain employs whole cluster fermentation, where a portion of the grape bunches are left intact, adding complexity and structure.
What They’re Saying: The Bâtard-Montrachet Grand Cru leads the portfolio, earning an impressive 95 points from Vinous for its complex nose and impeccably balanced palate. The review highlights its "satisfying depth and tension" before noting how it "fans out with brio on the finish" – a wine, it concluded, that is emphatically "worth seeking out." The Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Combettes (94 points) showcases Girardin’s ability to capture a site's essence, with Vinous praising its "fine mineralité" and "well-balanced palate." The review singles it out as one of Girardin's finest white wines of the vintage, noting "plenty of tension and energy” on the palate and a finish that speaks to its breeding. Not to be outdone, the Chassagne-Montrachet Morgeot Blanc 1er Cru (94 points) demonstrates why Pierre-Vincent is drawing comparisons to Burgundy's most revered producers. The "fresh, detailed bouquet" leads to what Vinous describes – with notable excitement – as a "Leflaive-like finish."
Our Tasting Notes: These 2022s capture the essence of their respective terroirs with remarkable exactitude. The whites unfold in gorgeous, undulant waves – first citrus and stone fruit, then a compelling mineral core, finally revealing subtle notes of fresh herbs and white flowers. The Premier and Grand Crus display that rare combination of power and finesse that defines great Burgundy. On the red side, there's beautiful definition and transparency, with each site's personality shining through. The tannins are remarkably refined, guaranteeing that these wines will age gracefully for decades.
The Story: In Burgundy, a region where experimentation is often tantamount to heresy, innovators are rare. But Vincent Girardin is one, and part of his enormous success has been to (slowly) change perceptions in the region. Having grown up among the gnarled old vines that his family had tended since the 1800s, Girardin was steeped in Burgundy's sacred traditions from almost the moment he could walk. But rather than do what was expected of him — taking over the family business and continuing as usual — Vincent's restless, creative spirit compelled him to tinker. He started conducting all kinds of radical experiments in the vineyard and the cellar — pushing boundaries, challenging conventions, doing whatever it took to coax out the most captivating, soul-stirring expressions from these revered terroirs. And if at first Burgundy was not enamored of his efforts, Girardin today enjoys the kind of critical adulation that was once the exclusive domain of the most celebrated domain dynasties. But for Vincent, this has never been about chasing glory or accolades. He has said that his sole focus is on that joyful, triumphant moment when you pull the cork and find yourself magically transported by what's in the glass.
What to Pair Them With: These wines are stars of the table, where their natural acidity and balanced structure make them versatile companions. The whites offer enough complexity to enhance refined seafood dishes while standing up to richer fare — roasted duck, say, or a veal in cream sauce. The reds show particular grace with heritage-breed pork, game birds, and mushroom-based dishes that echo their forest floor notes. The key is to match the wine's weight while letting its subtle nuances emerge – these aren't wines that need to be overwhelmed with bold flavors.
Our Guarantee: Remember, friends – we always buy and source direct, so you can rest assured that your wine will arrive in your hands with pristine proven provenance. These bottles come straight from the Girardin cellars in Meursault to your cellar, maintaining perfect temperature control throughout their journey.
*Offer NOT valid in-store. This offer is made pre-arrival, with wines estimated to be delivered to your preferred store in Spring 2025. With the supply chain issues that we are seeing globally, there may be some unforeseen delays which could affect the ETA. All sale prices are the lowest available at Total Wine & More and ONLY valid through Concierge Sales. No further discounts or coupons may be applied. Offer not valid in KS, KY, MI, NY & TN. This offer is for ONE WEEK, or until sold out, and will expire on Sunday, December 1st, 2024.