While some Burgundy requires decades tucked away in a cellar, this Pinot Noir with nearly 5 years of age from Vincent Girardin is entering a gorgeous window for immediate enjoyment. While Girardin is widely recognized as a powerhouse across Santenay and Chassagne-Montrachet, their Chassagne-Montrachet Rouge "Vieilles Vignes" is a genuine micro-production—roughly 85% to 90% of the appellation is planted to Chardonnay, making red Chassagne a boutique find from any producer. Combined with low-yielding 60+ year-old vines, this bottling represents a tiny fraction of the domaine's output. Standing right at the threshold where youthful vibrancy opens up into something truly captivating, this 2021 delivers all the pure, high-toned energy you want in top-tier Pinot Noir today.

This Pinot Noir bursts with juicy, upfront red berry fruit, fresh cranberry, and dark cherry, accented by hints of tea spice, holiday brown spices, and a touch of cocoa powder. On the palate, those 60-year-old vines show their weight through a satiny, silken texture and vibrant energy, balancing rich fruit purity against fine, polished tannins.

It is a sheer joy to drink right now and the ultimate bottle to pop open when you want to surprise and delight your most discerning dinner guests.

Santé! 

Why You'll Love It

• Old-vine Pinot Noir from a village usually reserved for white Burgundy, giving you a different, more structured side of Chassagne-Montrachet.
• The nose is bright with fresh red fruit and a dusting of cocoa powder from the barrel.
• The attack is silky, but the tannins are real: fine-grained and present in a powerful, well-built body.
• The finish is firm and long, built to reward a few years in the cellar as much as a good decant tonight.
• Versatile enough for the table, from a weeknight roast chicken to something richer for a special occasion.

How To Serve It

• Serve at 55-58°F, slightly cooler than room temperature so the fruit stays lifted and the tannins don't feel heavy.
• Give it 30 to 60 minutes in a decanter; the wine's structure benefits from some air.
• Pour into Burgundy stems to show off the aromatics.
• Pair it with duck breast with cherry-peppercorn sauce, roasted game birds, or mushroom-forward dishes that meet the wine's earthy, savory side.