Domaine Cruchandeau … newish estate – at least to me

Domaine Cruchandeau is a relatively newish estate located in Chaux (just above Nuits-Saint-Georges). The Domaine was brought to life in 2003 by Julien Cruchandeau – a former chef and musician – but it was not until 2010 Julien focused fully on the wine business – and toned down the music career.

As with many new estates without family holdings of vineyards – Julien had to rely on investors and acquired grapes to build a portfolio of wines – and not always with the possibility to choose from the top appellations.

That being said – with talent, and knowledge one can find interesting terroirs in Burgundy without going for the Grand Crus.

This week I had the opportunity to taste two of the Domaine Cruchandeau wines – a white Puligny-Montrachet and a red Nuits-Saint-Georges village – both from the generous 2015 vintage.

First out the Domaine Cruchandeau, Puligny-Montrachet Hameau de Blagny 2015 – from the top 1er cru vineyard of the Blagny appellation. One of the historically acclaimed vineyards – with a very strong reputation from the time of Lavalle (1855). This vineyard is a bit overlooked today – but in a hot year like 2015 the cool vineyards of Blagny still sing a beautiful and vibrant tune with their lovely acidity. A terroir to follow.

The Domaine Cruchandeau Puligny-Montrachet Hameau de Blagny 2015 is well balanced with a citrus infused ample fruit – cool for the vintage and with a fine balancing acidity and minerality. With 30% new oak – the impression of wood is noticeable – but works very well with the rather rich fruit of the vintage. A big and rather expressive Blagny – with a fine potential.

(Drink From 2025) – Fine+ (91 – 92p) – tasted 15/04/2018

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The Domaine Cruchandeau, Nuits-Saint-Georges Aux Saint Jacques 2015 – is a transparent and vibrant wine for the vintage. It comes from a village terroir – mid-slope between the village of Nuits-Saint-Georges and the village of Vosne-Romanée – above Herbuet and close to the border to the Vosne appellation. This is on the other hand a rather understated, elegant and slightly lightfooted 2015 showing the elegant side of the vintage – after a year or two in bottle. The nose offer red and dark forest berries – slight hint of 2015 ripeness but quite cool. On the palate fine acidity and freshness – the 2015s starts to shape up beautifully in bottle. A both elegant and enjoyable wine in my view.

(Drink From 2026) – Very Good (88 – 89p) – tasted 15/04/2018

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As mentioned a new producer for me. Both wines have fine and interesting elements – and offer enjoyable drinking.

The wines have character and are not overtly polished – and will perhaps not appeal to all. I do however prefer that the wines have a style, an edge and perhaps even a statement – rather than being commercially optimised and technically perfect.

These wines certainly gave me the urge to taste more from Domaine Cruchandeau.