Domaine Ghislain Kohut, Vosne-Romanée 2021

Domaine Ghislain Kohut is a small yet rising producer in Vosne-Romanée, crafting wines that showcase the elegance and depth of this prestigious appellation. Ghislain Kohut, who took over the family estate, has gained recognition for his meticulous approach in both the vineyard and the cellar. He follows sustainable viticulture, working with old vines and low yields to ensure concentration and purity in his wines. While his production is limited, his Vosne-Romanée bottlings capture the finesse and complexity that make this village so revered.

The 2021 vintage in Burgundy was a challenging year, marked by severe frost in April, which drastically reduced yields. However, producers who carefully managed their vineyards, like Kohut, produced wines with beautiful clarity, freshness, and energy. The terroir of Vosne-Romanée, known for its limestone-rich soils with fine clay, contributes to the wine’s signature silkiness and aromatic lift. Kohut employs a gentle winemaking approach, using partial whole-cluster fermentation and aging in French oak (with a restrained use of new barrels) to preserve the wine’s purity.

Appearance: A radiant medium ruby with hints of garnet at the rim, suggesting its youthful vibrancy. The wine displays excellent clarity and a slight viscosity, with slow-falling legs indicating balanced alcohol and concentration.

Aroma: Expressive and layered, with aromas of wild strawberries, ripe red cherries, and crushed raspberries. Floral notes of rose petals and violets add elegance, while subtle hints of cinnamon, star anise, and a touch of forest floor emerge with time in the glass.

Taste: Bright and lifted, showcasing pure red fruit flavours intertwined with delicate spice and a refined minerality. The tannins are fine-grained and well-integrated, giving a silky texture. The acidity is lively, enhancing the wine’s freshness and length, while subtle oak influence adds a touch of vanilla and toast without overpowering the fruit.

Finish: Long and graceful, with lingering notes of redcurrant, cherry skin, and a faint savoury earthiness. Hints of dried herbs and sweet spice unfold in the final moments, leaving a poised and balanced impression.

Food Pairing: Perfect with herb-crusted lamb rack, where the wine’s freshness and finesse complement the dish’s savoury depth. Also pairs beautifully with roasted quail in a red wine reduction, allowing the delicate gamey flavours to shine alongside the wine’s refined fruit and spice profile. Aged Brie or Époisses cheese would also highlight the wine’s silkiness and complexity.