Always a pleasure to visit Etienne Julien in Comblanchien. It is straightforward and without unnecessary yadayada …
The world would be an easier place to live in if we just got to the core of the topic quicker.
…. to the core!
The 2023s from Domaine Etienne Julien
The wines from Etienne Julien are honest; they are wines of pleasure, and the 2023s are showing very well.
The 2023 are lively and vivid offering all the energy you need to make the wines show off their true pinot caracter.
The oak is at a fine and balanced level, and most of the wines are very approachable and quite lightly extracted. The wines with whole cluster grapes are clearly showing the best – in my view!
Tasting notes from May 22nd 2025
I enjoyed a fine tasting with Etienne, so let’s go to the notes!
Domaine Etienne Julien Aligoté 2023
The Aligote is fresh and delicate with a lovely fruit. Bottled in September 2024. Can bring pleasure as both an aperitif and as a companion to light to medium intense food … it’s a treat.
(Drink From 2025) – Good – (87p)
Domaine Etienne Julien Aloxe-Corton Les Valoziéres 1er Cru 2023
The Aloxe-Corton is somewhat on the darker side … extraction seems a bit higher. No whole cluster in this cuvée … would have been nice actually, but the stems were not mature enough to be used. Not my favourite in this lineup..
(Drink From 2030) – Good – (87p)
Domaine Etienne Julien Côte de Nuits Villages 2023
This is a blend from several different plots in the Comblanchien area. The oak is well integrated and with a vivid share of whole cluster grapes. Love the energy… very nice wine … effortless and elegant.
(Drink From 2029) – Very Good – (87-88p) – 
Domaine Etienne Julien Côte de Nuits Villages Essard 2023
A cuvée from the Comblanchien area made from the terroir Essard. 40% whole cluster and 25% new oak seems to be a perfect balance with the Cavin oak. Has a greater intensity than the regular Côte de Nuits Villages … but same style.
(Drink From 2029) – Very Good – (88-89p) –
Domaine Etienne Julien Côte de Nuits Villages Armand 2023
A cuvee from the Comblanchien area named after Etienne’s grandfather, this is a blend of four lieux-dits – Les Plantes du Bois, La Essards, La Julbigne, and La Dominode. This is even more energetic and lively, with a very lovely acidity and salinity. The salinity really makes this wine interesting …
(Drink From 2033) – Very Good – (89-90p) –
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- A true vin d’émotion – a Burgundy of passion
- A truly hedonistic wine – lively and enjoyable
- A potential vin d´émotion - frais et léger