2023 Henri Gouges Nuits Blanc La Perriere

Nuits-St-Georges is red wine territory, with a special exception. Pinot Blanc is nowadays much more associated with Alsace, but it was born right here, at Gouges, when some Pinot Noir vines mutated from red to white grapes. Locally, it is known as Pinot Gouges (and has often been confused with Chardonnay). Gouges maintain a section of the great Perrieres premier cru vineyard planted to Pinot Gouges. The perfume in their 2023 Nuits Blanc La Perriere is like a spiced mix of lemon, honey and clove. In the mouth, moderate acidity is held in check by a slightly waxy mid-palate, and set against a salty, mineral finish. There is the impression of bone-dry honey. A very distinguished white wine that I would love to revisit when it has a few years of age. (NT 18/12/24)