These were part of a larger tasting but were the main draw. Terrific wines from a producer dedicated to naturalistic wine making. These are among the most delicate wines from Jura that I have had though they were very expressive.
2008 Michel Gahier Chardonnay Arbois Les Crets- France, Jura, Arbois
The barrels on the Les Crets are topped up as they do not normally get the flor from this vineyard. It is left in the barrel longer than the others. It would be difficult to guess Chardonnay if served blind from the nose. Woody and almost Belgian ale like, sour. Clean, lean and light bodied palate. A tart Sauvignon Blanc like bite. Nicely complex towards the finish.
2009 Michel Gahier Chardonnay Arbois Les Follasses- France, Jura, Arbois
This shows that classic note of oxidation unlike the 08 Les Crets. Lots of very bright, crunchy, almost biting acids. Nicely integrated already. Lengthy palate. Very nice.
2007 Michel Gahier Chardonnay Arbois La Fauquette- France, Jura, Arbois
There is some word that the vines in this vineyard are not actually Chardonnay. I would love to get some confirmation of that. Sherry like, nutty nose showing that oxidation as well as a distinct note of apple juice. Bigger in expression with more weighty fruit than the Les Follasses. There is a touch of heat after a distinctly Arbois like palate. Plenty of complexity. I could see this improving in the bottle some.
2005 Michel Gahier Chardonnay Arbois La Fauquette- France, Jura, Arbois
The vines are possibly something other than Chardonnay. This is also a current release along with the 07 seeing more time in barrel rather than bottle. Perfumed, floral nose over the oxidation and almost VA like. Heavier and harder than the 07 but also prettier and more precise. This is already terrific and could get better. Very good.
Thanks for the notes, Chris.
Gahier is a new revelation to me.
I’ve only had the 2009 La Fauquette and was rather impressed.
Full of acid and quite complex.
Need to try more.
Thanks.
Cris -
who imports these on the West Coast? CSW has begun selling them and I have a bottle of their poulsard that I haven’t tried yet, but I’ve been hearing good things. With the prices on Ganevat becoming rich and Overnoy impossible to source, it’s nice to have alternatives.
Love the Jura! I’ve been focusing on the reds, but based on your recent notes, I’ve got to expand to the whites. The elegance of these wines is not for everybody, but it’s hard not to love the purity.
Cris is correct, I spotted some Gahier (as well as Puffeney) at Wine House recently, and I bet Envoyer might have some left in stock. K&L has had some Gahier recently, and there’s some Puffeney in Hollywood. Leave some for us!
Full disclosure: I sell these wines. But over the past year I have enjoyed every single Michel Gahier wine I have been lucky enough to taste. The 2009 Les Crets Chardonnay is one of my favorites of late.
