2005 Maison Camille Giroud Beaune 1er Cru Cent Vignes

Maison Camille Giroud was founded in 1865 and is one of the last small negociant firms in Burgundy. Giroud has always specialized in wines that age and still has small stocks in the cellars of vintages going back to 1937. Maison Giroud was purchased in 2002 by an American group. Winemaker David Croix is not a “modernist,” but believes that the most important factor in producing Burgundies true to their appellation is the work that is done in the vineyards. Croix uses a wooden press for the red wines, open wooden vats for fermentation, and no new oak barrels. David comes to the IPNC every two years. This year he sported a T-shirt which said on the front, “Dogma Kills Pinot,” and on the back “Terroriste.” · The absence of noticeable oak is readily apparent in Croix’s wines. Unlike the Giroud tradition, his wines are readily accessible when young. This wine had a lush core of red fruits, ever-expanding flavors, attractive spice, creamy texture and a respectable acid spine. Understated, but entirely seductive. Reviewed --/--/--

Winery: Camille Giroud