Domaine Guffens-Heynen - Saint-Véran Cuvée Unique 2013

While he has inspired many artisan winemakers in the Mâconnais region, Jean-Marie Guffens remains, even today, the artist capable of producing a “simple” Mâcon worthy of the finest wines of the Côte d’Or, without subscribing to the “terroir-caisse” system.He is a master of fractional pressing using a vertical press on very ripe grapes, a proponent of extended fermentation, a genius at aging, and an elite taster; this unparalleled winemaker continues to produce, on his small Mâconnais estate, quantities that are already too small to meet international demand.

The 2013 Saint-Véran “Cuvée Unique” offers a well-defined bouquet with aromas of linden blossom, lemon sorbet, and yellow thyme that unfold in the glass. The palate is very well-balanced, with a crisp acidity interwoven with vibrant citrus notes, leading to a lively, taut finish with subtle marine undertones. A truly beautiful wine.

A very refined Chardonnay with a ripe, honeysuckle-like nose. Although the vintage has been criticized, this wine displays a beautiful balance, the result of a very ripe harvest. Its oak is well-integrated and imparts subtle toasty notes that extend its finish. A great wine for fine dining.

Jean-Marie Guffens has mastered the art of winemaking and bringing out the best in Chardonnay. Tasting one of his vintages, even after ten years, is always a special experience. He divides his time between the estate’s “haute couture” winemaking, managing his wine merchant business Verget, his property Château des Tourettes in the Luberon, and Château Closiot in Barsac, where he produces great dry and sweet wines when the vintage allows. He has revealed the potential of the Mâconnais’ finest terroirs and sparked interest in them. His great wines are universally acclaimed, stand the test of time, and leave a lasting impression. The very low yields of the 2019 vintage allowed for the production of only three wines; the press wine will be included in the “Triangle” cuvée. The estate’s wines are sold en primeur. Our advice is to try your luck while also taking the time to explore the other properties of this exceptional winemaker.