Jean-Michel Guillon Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru Les Champeaux 2019

Winery Background and History

Domaine Jean-Michel Guillon & Fils, established in 1980, is located in Gevrey-Chambertin within Burgundy’s Côte de Nuits. Jean-Michel Guillon, originally from Paris, transitioned from a career in aeronautics to winemaking. Over the years, he has expanded the estate’s holdings, focusing on producing wines that reflect the unique terroirs of the region. The domaine is known for its meticulous viticultural practices and commitment to quality, resulting in wines that are both expressive and age-worthy.

Producer and Winemaker

Jean-Michel Guillon is both the proprietor and winemaker of the domaine. He is renowned for his hands-on approach, including personally selecting oak trees in French forests for barrel production. Guillon’s philosophy emphasizes low yields, rigorous vineyard management, and the use of new oak barrels to enhance the structure and complexity of his wines. His dedication has earned the domaine a reputation for producing wines that balance power with elegance.

Vineyards and Micro Climate

The “Les Champeaux” vineyard is a Premier Cru site situated on the northern slopes of Gevrey-Chambertin. Positioned at elevations between 310 to 350 meters, it benefits from a cooler microclimate and eastern exposure. The soil composition is predominantly shallow, rocky limestone, contributing to the wine’s minerality and finesse. This terroir imparts a distinctive character to the Pinot Noir grapes cultivated here.

Vinification & Aging Methods

Grapes are hand-harvested and undergo a rigorous sorting process to ensure only the highest quality fruit is used. Fermentation occurs in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, followed by aging in 100% new French oak barrels for approximately 15 months. This approach imparts depth and complexity to the wine while preserving the purity of the Pinot Noir fruit.

Tasting Notes

The 2019 vintage exhibits a deep ruby hue. On the nose, it offers expressive aromas of red and dark currants, complemented by hints of anise and a sauvage character. The palate is medium to full-bodied, showcasing a dense mid-palate with a bracing minerality and fine-grained tannins. The wine concludes with a beautifully complex and persistent finish, reflecting both seriousness and muscularity.

Food & Wine Pairing

This wine pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes, including roasted duck, veal, and game birds. Its elegance complements dishes like coq au vin, mushroom risotto, and grilled salmon. The wine’s acidity and tannic structure also make it a suitable match for aged cheeses, such as Comté or Brie de Meaux.

Service Methods and Temperatures

To fully appreciate its aromatic complexity and texture, serve this wine at 16–18°C (60–64°F). Decanting for 30 minutes to an hour before serving is recommended to allow the wine to open up and reveal its full bouquet and flavor profile. Use large Burgundy glasses to enhance the tasting experience, as they allow the wine’s aromas to concentrate and its flavors to unfold gracefully.

Storage and Aging Potential

The 2019 Les Champeaux possesses the structure and balance to age gracefully for 10–15 years. Proper cellaring conditions—cool, dark, and with consistent temperature—will allow the wine to develop additional complexity and depth over time. As it matures, expect the emergence of tertiary aromas such as truffle, forest floor, and dried fruit, adding to its allure and sophistication.

Grape Varietals & Percentage Used

• 100% Pinot Noir

ABV (Alcohol by Volume)

• 13.5%