Why Burgundy Still Reigns Supreme
The notion that Burgundy is the spiritual home of wine has history, pedigree and plenty of evidence to suggest it is accurate. What is it about this famous region, growing predominantly just two grape varieties, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, that allows it to stand out in a crowded global wine landscape, adored by industry professionals and collectors alike. The terroir, the history and the family legacies passed down from generation to generation all help build the layers required to sustain its title as the greatest wine region on earth. Sure, many people will argue that there are better value or more affordable regions elsewhere, but one thing I do not believe anyone would seriously claim is that Burgundy does not produce great wine.
The Thrill of Discovering New Producers
Seeking out and being exposed to up and coming producers is one of the great joys of wine. It helps drive the industry forward and keeps it exciting. There is always a search for the next big thing or the next great winemaker, and for wine lovers it becomes a thrill of the chase. Right now, one of the most talked about producers to emerge from Burgundy is Domaine Guilbert-Gillet, the combined efforts of Benjamin Guilbert and René Gillet. These wines are appearing all over social media, with winemakers, collectors and serious drinkers raving about them, despite the fact the wines are not sent out to critics for review. The striking bottles with their green wax seals certainly stand out. Oversized bottles may look great, but they are a pain to fit in a wine fridge. A very first world problem, I know, but one we all face nonetheless.
Savigny-lès-Beaune: A Quiet Achiever
The real stars of the show are the wines from Savigny-lès-Beaune, a village that remains relatively under the radar compared to some of its more famous neighbours. Domaine Guilbert-Gillet is very much one of Burgundy’s quiet achievers, a producer that respects tradition while steadily building a reputation for quality and precision. Based in Savigny-lès-Beaune, an appellation with a long history of producing wines that combine charm, structure and authenticity, the domaine works across a range of appellations, from village wines through to premier cru sites, offering a broad expression of Burgundy’s diversity.
The People Behind the Label
Behind the label is a young and driven team led by winemaker Benjamin Guilbert and his wife Caroline, who founded the estate in 2020. Benjamin does not come from a multi generational winemaking family. Instead, he studied oenology in Mâcon, completed further studies in Montpellier and later achieved a Master of Science with the International Organisation of Vine and Wine, travelling through 25 wine regions in just 11 months. His hands on training includes time at Château Smith Haut Lafitte, Domaine de Montille and Domaine Zind Humbrecht. Alongside Benjamin is René Gillet, whose partnership and investment helped bring the project to life. Their philosophy centres on organic and sustainable farming, meticulous hand work in the vineyards and a restrained cellar approach that allows each site to speak clearly. The result is a portfolio that feels honest, precise and deeply connected to place, reflecting the people behind the wines as much as the terroir itself.
Why the 2022 Vintage Matters
If the story behind Domaine Guilbert-Gillet has captured attention, it is the wines themselves, particularly from the 2022 vintage, that have truly lit the fire. Burgundy in 2022 was a year that demanded both confidence and restraint from its growers. Following a run of frost affected and low yielding vintages, 2022 delivered relief in the form of healthy crops, consistent sunshine and fruit that arrived at the winery in exceptional condition. It was a warm year, but crucially not a cooked one, and producers who managed their vineyards well were rewarded with balance rather than excess.
Savigny-lès-Beaune in 2022
Savigny-lès-Beaune was particularly well placed in 2022. Its slightly cooler exposures and varied slopes helped retain freshness while still allowing full physiological ripeness. For Guilbert-Gillet, whose approach in the vineyard is hands on and detail driven, the vintage provided an ideal canvas. Organic farming, careful canopy management and selective harvesting ensured that sugars never raced ahead of flavour. The resulting wines show ripeness and generosity, but always within a framework of tension and clarity.
Savigny-lès-Beaune Village Pinot Noir 2022
The Savigny-lès-Beaune village Pinot Noir from 2022 is an immediate standout and arguably one of the finest introductions to the domaine. It is a wine that delivers far more than its classification might suggest. Aromatically, it sits firmly in red fruit territory, with notes of wild strawberry, cherry skin and subtle floral lift, but there is also an earthy undertone that roots it unmistakably in Burgundy. On the palate, the wine is supple yet structured, with fine tannins and a gentle savoury edge that keeps it honest. There is ripeness, but no heaviness, and a line of freshness that carries the wine effortlessly through the finish.
Premier Cru Wines: Confidence and Clarity
Stepping up into the premier cru wines, the confidence of the domaine becomes even more apparent. The 2022 Savigny-lès-Beaune Premier Cru bottlings show a step change in both depth and complexity. These wines lean into darker fruit profiles, with black cherry, plum and hints of spice, yet they remain poised rather than powerful. Oak usage is intelligent and restrained, framing the fruit without ever dominating it. What is most impressive is the sense of transparency. Each wine feels site driven, with subtle differences in texture and structure that reward attention rather than brute force tasting.
Côte de Beaune Reds: A Clear House Style
The Côte de Beaune reds in the range continue this theme. There is a house style emerging, one that prioritises drinkability, precision and energy over sheer extraction. Even in a warm and generous year like 2022, the wines never feel overworked. Alcohol levels are sensible, acidity is preserved and tannins are polished rather than aggressive. These are wines that will age, but they are also dangerously approachable in their youth.
The White Wines of 2022
The white wines from the 2022 vintage deserve equal attention. Chardonnay in Burgundy can be unforgiving in warm years, but again, Savigny-lès-Beaune and neighbouring sites benefited from careful vineyard work and timely harvesting. The Guilbert-Gillet whites from 2022 show ripe stone fruit, citrus oil and subtle reduction, with a saline edge that keeps them fresh and food friendly. Fermentation and ageing are handled with a light touch, allowing texture to build naturally without masking the character of the fruit or the site. The result is a set of whites that feel modern, confident and unmistakably Burgundian.
A Complete and Compelling Range
What makes the 2022 vintage at Domaine Guilbert-Gillet particularly compelling is how complete the range feels. There are no weak links, no wines that feel like fillers. Each bottling, from village level through to premier cru, carries the same sense of intent and care. This is not about chasing scores or headlines. It is about building something sustainable, expressive and genuine over time.
Why Domaine Guilbert-Gillet Matters Right Now
For collectors, the appeal is obvious. These wines sit in that sweet spot where quality far outweighs current pricing, though that window is unlikely to remain open forever. For drinkers, they offer immediate pleasure alongside the promise of development. And for Burgundy as a whole, Domaine Guilbert-Gillet represents exactly what keeps the region alive and exciting. New energy, deep respect for tradition and wines that speak clearly of where they come from.
Only the Beginning
If the hype feels loud right now, it is because the wines back it up. And if the 2022 vintage is any indication, this is only the beginning of what looks to be a very serious and very exciting Burgundy story.