Georges Duboeuf Pouilly Fuisse Premier Cru 2020 - France

90/100 James Suckling
90/100 James Suckling (2019 vintage)

James Suckling "Fresh apricots, sliced apples, honeysuckle and mangoes on the nose. Some lemon pith, too. Medium-bodied with a creamy texture and fresh acidity."

James Suckling "Apple blossom, lime curd, white peach and almond cream on the nose. Saline notes, too. It’s medium-bodied with crisp acidity and a smooth, creamy texture." (2019 vintage)

Les Vins Georges Duboeuf is one of the largest wine producers in France founded by the late Georges Duboeuf who was affectionately known as 'le roi du Beaujolais' (the king of Beaujolais) or sometimes pape du Beaujolais (Pope of Beaujolais). Les Vins Georges Duboeuf produces a staggering 3 million cases of wine annually. The company is most well-known for its popularization and production of Beaujolais wines. In 2018 Georges’ passed control of his company to his son Franck Duboeuf, who is considered to be one of the key specialists in Beaujolais, its terroir and its wine, and has shifted production to focus more on Beaujolais Nouveau.

Pouilly-Fuissé is the appellation for the finest white wines of southern Burgundy's Maconnais district. There is no Premier Cru system within the appellation, so quality is indicated through the reputations of producers and their vineyards. But now there will be.

Burgundy (Bourgogne in French) is an historic and highly respected wine region in eastern France. Burgundy wines have long had devout followers throughout the world and continue to do so today. Although Bordeaux produces about four times as much wine every year, Burgundy’s estimated 74,000 acres (30,000ha) of vineyards are considered to be of equal importance, producing some of the most exclusive wines on Earth.

Chardonnay is one of the world’s most popular grapes, Chardonnay is made in a wide range of styles from lean, to rich, creamy white wines aged in oak. Bolder, richer, full-bodied and buttery Chardonnays are made using oak and are produced in California, Burgundy, and Australia. Unoaked chardonnays such as Chablis and those produced in Chile, New Zealand, and other parts of France are leaner and often crisp and mineraly, with delicate flavors. By law, if a label says “Chablis,” it must be Chardonnay. 1er Cru is also known as Premier Cru, as is part of the official ranking of high quality vineyards where premium wine-making grapes are harvested. Cru is a French word that traditionally translates to “growth”. Premier Cru is considered to be the second highest level of classified vineyards; excellent grapes are grown there.