Les Goulots

Les Goulots sits north of the village of Gevrey-Chambertin, above the Premier Cru Champeaux and alongside Combe aux Moines, on the boundary with the commune of Brochon. It ranks among the most elevated vineyard sites in the entire Côte de Nuits. This altitude, combined with a north-east facing aspect, sets Les Goulots apart from the south and east-facing Premier Crus lower on the slope, where warmth accumulates more readily.

• Borders Combe aux Moines to the north and the commune of Brochon
• Situated above Champeaux on the upper portion of the slope
• One of the highest-elevation Premier Crus in Gevrey-Chambertin

The microclimate of Les Goulots is distinctly cool relative to other Gevrey-Chambertin Premier Crus. Cold winds funnel down from the valley and across the north-east facing slope, reducing temperatures and extending the growing season. This exposure limits the accumulation of heat during ripening, which directly shapes the wine's character toward freshness, aromatic lift, and restrained body rather than richness or concentration.

• North-east aspect reduces direct afternoon sun exposure
• Cold valley winds are a defining climatic influence
• Cooler temperatures preserve natural acidity and extend phenolic development

The soils at Les Goulots are composed of white marl over a limestone bedrock base, with clay and stone pits throughout. The topsoil layer is notably thin, which restricts water retention and forces vine roots to penetrate deeply into the limestone below. This deep rooting is considered a key driver of the mineral character that defines wines from the site. The combination of calcareous subsoil and sparse surface soil is classic Côte d'Or, but the particular thinness here amplifies the mineral signature.

• White marl over limestone bedrock
• Thin topsoil layer forces deep root development
• Clay and stone pits present throughout the soil profile

The name Les Goulots derives from the French word 'goulottes,' referring to small waterfalls or rivulets that run beneath the hillside. This hydrological feature reflects the site's position on the upper slope where water movement through fissured limestone is active. The climat is notable for its concentrated ownership, with only four owners holding the entire 1.81 hectares. This rarity of ownership contributes to the limited availability of wines from this vineyard on the market.

• Name translates to small waterfalls or tiny streams
• Only four owners hold the full 1.81 hectares
• Ownership concentration makes Les Goulots wines scarce and collectible

Wines from Les Goulots express a refined, perfumed style that stands in clear contrast to the fuller, more structured Premier Crus from warmer, lower-lying sites in Gevrey-Chambertin. The cooler growing conditions produce Pinot Noir with chalky tannins, a silky finish, and a distinct minerality that mirrors the limestone bedrock. The aromatic profile leans toward red fruit, floral notes, and earthy minerality rather than dark fruit depth. Domaine Fourrier, Domaine Heresztyn-Mazzini, and Domaine Magnien are the key producers working with fruit from this climat.

• Style is elegant and perfumed with notable mineral drive
• Chalky tannins and a silky finish are defining textural traits
• Fresher and lighter-bodied than most Gevrey-Chambertin Premier Crus
• Domaine Fourrier, Heresztyn-Mazzini, and Magnien are the primary producers