NOW LANDED AND READY FOR DISPATCH
A name familiar to any keen follower of Burgundy’s ultra fine wine scene, has transitioned from a celebrated tenure at Domaine Leflaive taking over his own Domaine. At Leflaive, his expertise helped restore and increase the estate’s reputation following issues with premature oxidation and some over-ripeness. Yet, despite his influence, Leflaive would always be about Leflaive, with Vincent’s role more in the background. This bold new venture began in July 2023, when Vincent, in partnership with Hervé Kratiroff and Eric Versini of the Solexia Group, acquired an old-vine domaine in Auxey-Duresses, transforming it into Domaine Pierre Vincent.
The Domaine's seven hectares of vineyards are a treasure chest of Côte de Beaune terroirs, featuring prime sites such as Corton-Charlemagne, Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Referts, Meursault 1er Cru Les Charmes and Volnay 1er Cru Ronceret. The vines, many of which are between 58 and 95 years old, are tended biodynamically—an approach Vincent has long championed, emphasizing balance, sustainability, and the authentic expression of place. His mastery of this method is evident in his nuanced, terroir-focused wines.
Vincent’s winemaking philosophy is a study in restraint and precision. In the cellar, he leans toward minimal intervention, allowing each cuvée to speak of its origins. The wines undergo gentle élevage and extended maturation ( 1 and 1/2 years in barrels / earthenware containers, then a rest in tanks, over two winters—a patient process that ensures depth and stability.
Pierre uses new oak carefully, but even some generic wines can carry 20% new oak, and he also uses clay amphora and ceramic eggs. These wines are not fined or filtered. Pierre, who I tasted with at the new domaine in March this year, is reveling in his new-found estate, old vines (60yo average) and the small size. Leflaive is a much larger 80ha inc. the negoce wines; he says "here is better", I'm more hands' on."
I came away from the tasting blown-away by his efforts, knowledge, respect for his sites, and the phenomenal quality of all his wines.
Cheers, Randall
Cheers, Randall
"Tasting through the maiden vintage, Pierre Vincent has lost none of his magic touch. It is something preternatural, not something you can be taught. He has a knack for elevating an entire portfolio, irrespective of vineyard status, from regional to Grand Cru. His whites are suffused with beguiling mineralité and tension, articulating with utmost clarity their individual terroirs. out. What cannot be denied is that Vincent will craft some spectacular wines as he has done in the past. The difference is that in this third chapter, bottles will be emblazoned with the name Pierre Vincent."
Neal Martin, Vinous
Neal Martin, Vinous
