Visit to Domaine Henri Gouges – Tasting the 2021s

Domaine Henri Gouges has changed its style from classical, dark Nuits-Saint-Georges to more fruity, forward wines. Furthermore, it has done so without losing complexity, while simultaneously adding drinkability and vivacity.

The 2021s have been made with an unusually light hand at Gouges, and the elevage was quite short, i.e. from August-December 2022 for even the bigger guns. Normal elevage would be three to six months longer, so this adaptation is both exciting and promising in a lighter vintage like 2021.

Gouges style

Domaine Henri Gouges has definitely lightened its vinous expression, and in 2021 the wines have taken this up a notch.

Here are the notes: all wines are bottled, some in August and the last in December 2022.

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Domaine Henri Gouges Bourgogne 2021

The Gouges Bourgogne 2021 is a light-footed, delicate wine, fruity, and with nice acidity. Fresh and vivid, this is without doubt a vin de soif.

(Drink From 2023) – Very Good (86p) – Tasted On 28/10/2021 –

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Domaine Henri Gouges Hautes Côtes de Nuits Les Dames Huguettes 2021

Les Dames Huguettes is one of the most prominent vineyards in the Hautes Côtes, producing a vivid wine with lovely acidity. This has lovely balance and good transparency. Typical 2021, it is drinking very well.

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

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Domaine Henri Gouges Nuits-Saint-Georges 2021

The regular NSG is showing well, with transparent and airy fruit. It’s lively and openly structured, airy and fresh, with none of the darker notes found in older vintages of this wine. This is drinking delightfully.

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

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Domaine Henri Gouges Nuits-Saint-Georges Les Crots 2021

This is located above the Chateau Gris in Premeaux, and is the part of the Gouges vineyards used for experimentation. This village contains 20-25% whole clusters, giving the wine a silky style. Bottled with only 10 mg/l of total sulphur, this further opens up the mid-palate. The fruit is forward and airy – no dark notes here.

(Drink From 2028) – Very Good (89-90p) – Tasted On 28/10/2021 –

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Domaine Henri Gouges Nuits-Saint-Georges Les Chênes Carteaux 2021

From a relatively unknown vineyard just above Les Saint-Georges and next to Vaucrains, this has lovely minerality. The fruit is forward, vivid, and energetic.

(Drink From 2030) – Very Good (89-90p) – Tasted On 28/10/2021 –

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Domaine Henri Gouges Nuits-Saint-Georges Les Chaignots 2021

This is also on the fruitier, airier side, with varied fruit flavours and good liveliness. It’s impressive to see how the shorter elevage has resulted in loads of energy in these wines. Vivacious and quite forward, this is lovely juice.

(Drink From 2029) – Fine (91p) – Tasted On 28/10/2021 –

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