Maxime Cheurlin Noellat Clos Vougeot Grand Cru 2020 (750ML)

91-94 BH

Tasting note: Slightly riper aromas present notes of poached plum, more discreetly spiced black cherry and much more earth influence, all of which is trimmed in subtle earth nuances. The suave and relatively refined bigger-bodied flavors also possess a lovely texture before terminating in a balanced, youthfully austere and firm finale. This appealing if firmly structured effort should reward 12 to 15 years of keeping.—Allen Meadows, Burghound

Georges Noëllat was the nephew of Charles Noëllat, who was once the proprietor of one of Vosne’s greatest domaines—a domaine who made important contributions to Domaines Jean-Jacques Confuron and Hudelot Noëllat, and even formed the vast majority of Domaine Leroy. As of 1990, Domaine Georges Noëllat sold its production to Jadot and Drouhin for 20 years. Enter 20-year-old Maxime Cheurlin in 2010, who consequently took over the management of the estate from his grandmother. Cheurlin grew up in Champagne, but it seems Burgundy wine is truly in his blood as he is a nephew of the Jayer family and a cousin of Emmanuel Rouget’s sons. Thus, he complemented his winemaking studies at the Lycée du Viticole in Beaune with stages at Domaine Emmanuel Rouget and Domaine Gros Frère et Soeur in 2009.