Domaine Georges Noellat winery
Domaine Georges Noëllat is a highly respected wine estate located in Vosne-Romanée in the heart of Burgundy’s Côte de Nuits. The domaine traces its roots to the early 20th century, with Georges Noëllat, a nephew of Charles Noëllat, at the helm. The estate remained relatively under the radar until 2010, when Maxime Cheurlin, Georges Noëllat’s great-grandson, took over at the age of just 20. Maxime, who trained with some of Burgundy’s most esteemed winemakers, including Emmanuel Rouget and Domaine Gros Frère et Sœur, brought new energy and a modern vision to the domaine while honoring its deep heritage.
The domaine’s holdings are enviable, covering around 5.5 hectares of prime vineyards, primarily in Vosne-Romanée and Chambolle-Musigny. Among their most prized plots are parcels in grands crus such as Echézeaux and grands crus bottlings from Clos de Vougeot, as well as premier cru sites like Les Beaux Monts, Les Chaumes, and Les Petits Monts. The estate’s old vines, many planted in the 1950s and 1960s, contribute to the intensity and complexity of the wines. The domaine also benefits from excellent terroirs, with their Vosne-Romanée plots sitting on classic Burgundian limestone and clay soils, ideal for Pinot Noir.
Under Maxime Cheurlin’s guidance, Domaine Georges Noëllat has become celebrated for producing wines that combine elegance, finesse, and purity with remarkable depth and concentration. Maxime’s winemaking philosophy emphasizes minimal intervention, with gentle extraction and careful use of oak. He typically uses a high proportion of whole clusters in fermentation, which adds aromatic complexity and structure, and employs a thoughtful approach to new oak, usually around 50% for the grands crus and less for village and premier cru wines. The wines are known for their silky tannins, vibrant fruit, and expressive aromatics, capturing the essence of their respective terroirs.
The domaine’s approach in the vineyard is meticulous, with a focus on sustainable practices and careful management of yields to ensure the highest quality fruit. Grapes are harvested by hand at optimal ripeness, and sorting is rigorous to select only the best berries. In the cellar, Maxime’s methods highlight precision and respect for tradition, resulting in wines that are both accessible in youth and capable of graceful aging.
Domaine Georges Noëllat produces a range of wines, from village-level Vosne-Romanée and Nuits-Saint-Georges to the highly sought-after premiers and grands crus. The limited production and rising critical acclaim have made these wines increasingly difficult to find, with collectors and enthusiasts seeking them out for their balance, depth, and sense of place. The domaine’s rise over the past decade is a testament to Maxime Cheurlin’s skill and vision, marking Domaine Georges Noëllat as one of Burgundy’s most exciting and dynamic producers today.