2019 Domaine G. Roumier Ruchottes-Chambertin Grand Cru Michel Bonnefond

Domaine Georges Roumier and the character of Ruchottes-Chambertin

Domaine Georges Roumier is one of the most admired producers in the Côte de Nuits. The estate is known for wines that combine finesse, transparency, and structure in a way few other estates master. Christophe Roumier works with great precision, prioritizing purity and terroir expression. Under the "Winery" tab, you can find more background information about the estate's history and working methods.

Ruchottes-Chambertin Grand Cru, and specifically the Michel Bonnefond plot, is located on the higher slopes above Gevrey-Chambertin. The chalky, stony soil produces low yields and intense minerality. This makes Ruchottes one of the appellation's most refined Grand Crus, where elegance and tension take center stage.

The terroir and microclimate of Michel Bonnefond

The Michel Bonnefond plot is fully walled and enjoys an ideal combination of altitude, coolness, and natural light. The thin topsoil of chalky soil and the rocky subsoil force the vines to root deeply. This produces grapes with unprecedented aromatic clarity and an intense mineral signature.

Stylistically, Michel Bonnefond is a Grand Cru that leans more towards Chambolle-Musigny than towards the powerful profile of some Gevrey vineyards. The wine is more floral, finer, straighter in structure, and more focused on tension than volume. Precision, energy, and finesse are its core values.

Grapes, harvest and vinification of the 2019 vintage

2019 was a warm year, but with sufficient nighttime cooling to maintain aromatic freshness. Yields were low, the berries small and concentrated. Harvest began relatively early, on September 16th. Despite the vintage's rich character, the wine displays remarkable vibrancy and energy.

The grapes are harvested by hand and rigorously sorted. A portion of the harvest is destemmed, after which fermentation begins with natural yeasts in open wooden vats. Extraction is carefully controlled to preserve elegance and texture. The wine then matures for 14 to 16 months in French oak barrels, approximately one-third of which are new. The goal is not to overpower woody aromas, but to support structure and refinement.

Color, smell and taste of the 2019 Ruchottes-Chambertin Michel Bonnefond

The wine opens with aromas of wild berries, plums, and raspberries, followed by refined floral notes of violet and peony. Subtle notes of cocoa, spices, and moist earth add depth. The aroma is intense but never heavy. The wine displays a distinct minerality typical of this terroir.

On the palate, the wine is medium to full-bodied, yet remains remarkably light. The tannins are silky and exceptionally refined, giving the wine an elegant and linear structure. The combination of ripe fruit, vibrant acidity, and mineral-oriented tension gives the wine remarkable precision. It is rich without being broad, subtle yet intense, and displays a profile reminiscent of the elegance of Chambolle-Musigny.

The finish is long, refined, aromatic, and very pure. Floral notes return, along with mineral echoes and a slightly spicy undertone. The wine possesses a rare balance between depth and lightness.

Storage potential

The 2019 vintage boasts a structure that allows for a very long evolution. It combines ripe fruit with striking freshness, giving the wine both immediate appeal and impressive aging potential. It is expected to develop beautifully over the next twenty to twenty-five years, revealing greater complexity, floral finesse, and subtle earthy notes.

Would you like to order wines from Domaine G. Roumier online?

If available, you'll find the official fact sheet and additional information about this fine wine in the "Attachments" tab. We'll automatically send you these when you order this wine. The wine is stored in our climate-controlled Wine Warehouse, and if you pick it up, you'll often receive a nice discount. You'll see your discount immediately when you select "Pickup" at the checkout page. We're located in Dordrecht, just off the A16 motorway with ample parking. Click here for our address. You can read full wine reviews from publications like Parker, Suckling, Vinous, and Wine Spectator.

Need advice on finding the perfect wine to pair with your dish? Click here for our exclusive Sommelier. Free for Grand Cru customers.

Wine and food pairings at the 2019 Ruchottes-Chambertin

Roast pigeon with mushrooms and beetroot
The wine's earthy and floral notes complement the delicate meat and the soft sweetness of beetroot beautifully.

Rack of lamb with rosemary and red currant jus
The lively acids support the spicy character and bring tension to the dish.

Guinea fowl with truffle and poultry jus
The silky structure of the wine enhances the refinement of poultry and truffle.

Risotto with chanterelles and Parmesan
The creamy texture forms a harmonious whole with the mineral depth of the wine.

Eggplant with miso and black sesame
The savoury umami complements the subtle cocoa and earthy notes beautifully.

Hare stew with winter herbs
The richness of the dish matches perfectly with the depth and floral intensity of the Grand Cru.