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Winemaker: Philippe Gavignet

Domaine Philippe Gavignet Burgundy captures the heart and soul of Nuits-St.-Georges. Don't let the family's modest holdings (just 20 acres in and around the village) fool you—this estate offers an exciting cross-section of terroir-driven village and premier cru wines that you'll seldom find in one single domaine.

The Gavignet estate spans four generations, yet it is Philippe who has raised the quality of red Burgundy at the winery to a whole new level. Taking over from his father Michel in 1992, Philippe has expanded the domaine to cover a range of terroirs in Nuits, with vineyards that are almost exclusively low-yielding older vines that are cared for naturally and harvested by hand. “Good grapes are the principal part of a good vintage,” Gavignet explained once during a tasting. “All our work starts in the vineyards.” Every cuvée we've tasted is aromatically pure, wonderfully fresh and layered, with average natural alcohols of just 12.9 percent—truly classic Burgundy.

Incredibly friendly and a pleasure to work with, Philippe too has to be one of the most conscientious tasters we know. He travels constantly, to wine fairs and to other domaines in the Cote d'Or and beyond, to both refine his palate and share ideas with other winemakers. It is this boundless curiosity and willingness to always learn that makes Gavignet such a complete artisan—he knows exactly what he wants from each of his vineyards, and seeks to create above all complete, balanced and terroir-driven wines.

The key characteristics of Gavignet Burgundy is elegance and terroir expression—you'll find classic Nuits structure, impressive density of fruit, and a silky sweetness that speaks of harmony and purity from start to finish.  Gavignet offers a broad selection of village and premier cru wines in Nuits; aging his wines in a combination of older and new barrels.

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Gavignet Bourgogne Hautes-Côtes de Nuits Clos des Dames Huguettes 2009 France / Côte de Nuits-Burgundy This is always a stunning wine, and one of the top values in Pinot Noir anywhere. The nose is a fruit festival, with plums and raspberries dusted with cinnamon. Superbly ripe and round, with grippy tannins and lots of spice—not to mention that creamy edge that makes 2009 so immediately delectable. A top pick. $36.75

Gavignet Bourgogne Rouge 2009 France / Côte de Nuits-Burgundy Sweet, sexy and perfectly proportioned—a uncomplicated yet deliciously complex draught of Pinot Noir purity (and a great deal to boot). Winemaker Philippe Gavignet harvested spicy fruit from mostly older vines from two Bourgogne vineyards in the village of Nuits-St.-Georges, “Maladieres” and “Croix Blanche.” $24.25

Gavignet Nuits-St.-Georges 1er Cru Bousselots 2009 France / Côte de Nuits-Burgundy One of the most textured and supple of Philippe’s crus in 2009, “Bousselots” was blessed with very tiny berries and concentrated juice in 2009. It’s one of the finest examples of this vineyard we’ve ever had. Utterly complex and very cellar-worthy. $66.25

Gavignet Nuits-St.-Georges 1er Cru Chaboeufs 2009 France / Côte de Nuits-Burgundy Cherry aromas are sweet and lush, literally pouring from the glass. The mouth mixes more smoky, meaty black cherry fruit with suggestions of iron and a mineral edge. Rounder and certainly very supple, but the vineyard’s mineral soils gives all this stuffing incredible definition and poise. $69.95

Gavignet Nuits-St.-Georges 1er Cru Pruliers 2009 France / Côte de Nuits-Burgundy Sweet, sexy—simply outstanding. “Pruliers” is always a more structured, deeper and darker cru, one we like to sock away and watch evolve with a couple of years in the cellar...a very noble, concentrated and structured cuvee that will give great pleasure for years to come. $73.95

Gavignet Nuits-St.-Georges Argillats 2009 France / Côte de Nuits-Burgundy Round, sappy and sweet, “Argillats” is a perfect example of the lovely texture of 2009—this is creamy Pinot Noir, with nary an angle in sight. Black cherry suggestions mix with cinnamon and pink peppercorns on the palate, highlighted with notes of fresh ginger and licorice. Very complex and utterly delicious. $52.75

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