Visit to Domaine Jérôme Galeyrand – Tasting the 2023s

Some articles write themselves, whereas others require more work and dedication. I love the wines from Jérôme Galeyrand, but it always takes me ages to write the articles …. the spelling the his name – the unknown vineyards.

And then, to describe the greatness of these wines in a meaningful way … hmmm

So here we go again…

Let’s take the Reds first!

Domaine Jérôme Galeyrand – history and background

Jérôme founded his domaine in 2002, having arrived in Burgundy from the Loire Valley. He began his wine education at Domaine Alain Burguet during harvests in the 1990s.

In 2002, he vinified his first wine from his newly-acquired vineyard: a minuscule parcel of 0.05 hectare of Les Retraits in Comblanchien . Since then, Jérôme has expanded the estate to its current 5.25 ha.

He ploughs his vineyards, and the viticulture is largely organic and on its way to an AB certification; so, no pesticides here. Some wines include whole clusters, and the vinification is delicate (limited use of SO2), contributing to the refined character of the wines. There is a cold soak for three to five days before the native-yeast fermentation begins.

The resulting wines are refined, elegant, and perfumed. They are wines that really make a positive statement, in a delicate and rather discreet way.

Red vineyard holdings:

• Bourgogne Pinot Noir Antonin – 0.80 ha in Chambolle, Brochon, and Gilly-les-Citeaux
• Côte de Nuits Villages Vieilles Vignes – 0.36 ha in Brochon
• Marsannay Combe de Pré – surface area unknown
• Fixin Champs des Charmes – 0.42 ha
• Gevrey-Chambertin La Justice – 0.40 ha; vines planted in 1950-60
• Gevrey-Chambertin Billard – 0.26 ha planted in 1987
• Les Retraits Côte de Nuits Villages – 0.68 ha in Comblanchien, planted in 1925 and 1932
• Gevrey-Chambertin Croisette Vieilles Vignes – 0.20 ha planted before 1935

The top reds – the fabulous four (only three were tasted).

I like all of Jérôme Galeyrand’s wines, but the fabulous four – Justice, Billard, Croisette, and Retraits – are sort of in a class of their own. This year, I did not taste the Croisette … but the three others are magnificent… also in 2023.

The 2023s are ripe, lively and fresh with a gorgeous depth and complexity for this level. As with other estates, I prefer the 2023s in the shorter run, but can see why the 2022s could be an even match in the long run.

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Domaine Jérôme Galeyrand Gevrey-Chambertin Justice 2023

Justice is the more robust and classic of the Galeyrand Gevreys. From vines planted in 1960, the deep red fruit is energetic and hedonistic. This is beautiful and very vivid, I love the liveliness of the 2023s. They are at least as good as the 2022.

(Drink From 2030) – Very Good – (90p) – 

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