Visit to Domaine Henri Magnien – Tasting the 2022s

November was a busy month with a lot of tastings, and while that’s a good thing, it does leave me with quite a job to complete here in the new year.

One of the “new” domaines I visited was Henri Magnien, an old, well-reputed estate. I had never visited it before, so a new Winehog chapter is beginning here.

The estate was founded in 1987, but the Magnien family covers multiple generations, and it has been making wines in Gevrey-Chambertin for many years. Charles Magnien, the current boss, took over in 2012.

Style and stuff

Domaine Henri Magnien’s style is relatively discreet, and focused on the display of pinot fruit and terroir expression.

In the lesser wines this is reassuring, but also on the predictable side. Still, when the bigger terroirs are in the glass, things start to happen. The entry-level wines were a bit challenged on phenolic ripeness in 2022, hence leaving them somewhat lean. They are well made, but I require more generosity to dive into the hearts.

So let’s go; the ’22s were tasted last November 29.

---

Domaine Henri Magnien Gevrey-Chambertin 2022

The Gevrey-Chambertin is from 15 different plots, with the vines between 8-40 years old. It has fine fruit and delicacy. This is starting to have a bit more generosity and phenolic charm. The 25% new oak usage is – just – suitable.

(Drink from 2029) – Very Good – (87-88p) –

---

Domaine Henri Magnien Gevrey-Chambertin Vielles Vignes 2022

For me, this is where the party starts at Magnien. Much livelier, this is vivid and delicate. The vineyard was planted in 1915, so well over 100 years old, and this shows in the mid-palate fruit. Lovely length, and a pleasurable, silky generosity. Yes, please!

(Drink from 2032) – Very Good – (90p) –

---

Domaine Henri Magnien Aloxe-Corton La Coutière 2022

A Gevrey in Aloxe! Fruity and quite generous, this is perfumed and delicate with a floral expression. I love the balance, with its delicate fruitiness. A delicious wine by any standard.

(Drink from 2032) – Very Good – (90p) –

---

Domaine Henri Magnien Corton Les Grandes Lolières 2022

(Drink from 2040) – Fine+ – (93p)

---

Domaine Henry Magnien Gevrey-Chambertin Les Champeaux 2022

Elegant and vivid, this shows deep fruit on the mid-palate. It’s intense and offers a transparent expression of the terroir. While not the ultimate in energy and vividness, appealing it is.

(Drink from 2034) – Fine – (92p) –

---

Domaine Henri Magnien Gevrey-Chambertin Estournelles St. Jacques 2022

Lively, with a marl-based mineral note, the fruit is delicate with an energetic mid-palate. This has good depth, and is a beautiful wine despite 50% new oak (fortunately quite lightly toasted). From a great terroir, this is charming.

(Drink from 2034) – Fine+ – (92-93p) –

---

Domaine Henri Magnien Gevrey-Chambertin Lavaux St. Jacques 2022

The Lavaux is richer and more flamboyant than the Estournelles. It has a mineral foundation and delicate fruit, and is generous and energetic. This has the silky generosity often found in wines from this vineyard, and it works for me. More, please!

(Drink from 2034) – Very Fine – (93p) –

You need to login as a Premium subscriber to read the rest of this article. If you are not a Premium Subscriber, use the subscribe function and sign-up. 

---