Visit to Domaine Henri Gouges – tasting the 2020s

Domaine Henri Gouges has changed in a good way, improving markedly during recent years. Quality there has always been fine, but accessibility and drinkability have progressed tremendously, putting the estate in another league, so to speak.

While the Gouges 2019s are quite hedonistic, even the concentrated and upright 2020s have a lot to offer.

Gouges style

Domaine Henri Gouges has definitely lightened its vinous expression, and in 2020 the wines have good energy and lightness.

Tasting Les Crots really shows there is potential for even further lightening by revising sulphur levels and extraction.

Domaine Henri Gouges Côte de Nuits Villages 2020

A negociant wine that was bottled in September, this is forward and fruity, although a bit dense and with quite an intense NSG feel. While not a dense wine as such, this has the 2020 intensity, with a slightly dark colour. A good wine, but not seducing this Nuiton.

(Drink From 2026) – Good (87p) – Tasted On 28/10/2021

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Domaine Henri Gouges Nuits-Saint-Georges 2020

The regular NSG had just been racked and sulphured, and thus was a bit difficult to taste. There is good energy here, with lovely length and quite some freshness. The fruit is lively and expressing itself well. It’s very good for its level and this vintage, but see below for how it should be done in 2020.

(Drink From 2028) – Very Good (88p) – Tasted On 28/10/2021

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Domaine Henri Gouges Nuits-Saint-Georges Les Chênes Carteaux 2019

A relatively unknown vineyard located just above Les Saint-Georges and next to Vaucrains. This is a more mineral and vivacious wine with a lovely limestone character and some Scandinavian berries to spice it up. Quite intense, but it will unfold over time.

(Drink From 2030) – Fine (88-89p) – Tasted On 28/10/2021 –

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