Domaine Anne Gros produces one of the most elegant and light-footed wines in Vosne Romanee, her wines are arguably the most feminine in style compared to the 3 other Gros estates (Anne’s cousins), as well as other female winemakers in Vosne Romanee, i.e. Leroy, Mugneret Gibourg and Cecile Tremblay.
Anne Gros has been in charge of the estate since 1988 at the age of 22 after she took over her father’s entire estate. Domaine Anne Gros has c. 7 hectares of vines, mostly treated organically (though not certified).
Winemaking Style
Grapes are 100% destemmed and fermented without cold maceration. White wines are then aged for 12 months in oak barrels and red wines are aged in oak barrels for 16 months on average. Regional wines are aged in 30% new oak, 50% new oak on village wines, and Grand Cru wines are aged in 80% new oak. Note: Domaine Anne Gros doesn’t make any Premier Cru wines.
Interestingly, 80% of the barrels for their reds comes from DAMY, a famous cooper in Meursault used in many top whites (think buttery wood). In contrast, they use 500L barrels from Francois Freres (mostly used in reds) for their white wines.
Tasting Notes
Hautes Cotes de Nuits Blanc Cuvee Marine 2017
The Hautes Cotes de Nuits Blanc comes from 1 hectare of Chardonnay vines above Vosne Romanee, planted in 1996. Soft citrus nose with airy mineral quality. Light bodied with cool climate mild ripeness. Aged in 500L barrels for 12 months before transferring to stainless steel tank for another 2 months of ageing. 12.8% natural alcohol. (80/100)
Bourgogne Blanc 2017
The Bourgogne Blanc is a small production cuvee at Domaine Anne Gros, they own a 0.09 ha plot next to the road of Flagey-Echezeaux. A very low yield of 10ha/ hl in 2017. Lovely creamy pear fruits of lively lemons and apples. Good roundness. Drinking well already. There will be 0.35 ha of Chardonnay from new plantations from 2018. (83/100)
Hautes Cotes de Nuits Rouge 2017
Domaine Anne Gros’ Hautes Cotes de Nuits Pinot Noir vineyard is located 300m above sea level, a 0.73 ha plot with ‘young vines’ (20 years old). They had 26hl/ha of yield in 2017. Juicy red currant, light cranberry, supple stem tannins with refreshing acidity. (81/100)
Bourgogne Rouge 2017
The Bourgogne Rouge comes from 3 plots in: Nuits Saint Georges, Vosne Romanee, and Flagey-Echezeaux. Average 60 years old with a lot of millerandage. Juicy red currant and berries with considerably spicier palate than the Hautes Cotes de Nuits. Light weight and approachable. This should drink well over the next decade. (83/100)
Chambolle Musigny La Combe d’Orveau 2017
In my humble opinion, Anne Gros’ winemaking style works wonderfully well with Chambolle Musigny terroir, the soft extraction style enhances the charming fragrant of Chambolle Musigny. La Combe d’Orveau is a cool climate terroir located right above Echezeaux and Vosne 1er Cru. 29hl/ ha in 2017. Pretty red currant, juicy raspberry, supple spices of Vosne with the elegance of Chambolle. Light bodied with silky tannins. (85/100)
Vosne Romanee 2017
The Vosne Romanee from Anne Gros comes from a special vineyard, Les Barreaux, a north facing vineyard located next to the mythical Cros Parantoux. Anne Gros owns 0.39 ha of Les Barreaux, 75 year old vines, 8 barrels produced in 2017 compared to 5 barrels usually. A good village weight with supple floral nose and transparent spices of Vosne. Mixed currant, cherries, and cool climate minerals. Pretty and worth trying. (87/100)
Echezeaux ‘Les Loachausses’ Grand Cru 2017
Domaine Anne Gros owns 0.76 ha of Les Loachausses, 40-45 year old vines. In 2017, they have a good yield of 35hl/ha. 33-40% new oak. Perfumed nose of rose petals, elegant spices, juicy raspberry and red cherry. Medium bodied, Premier Cru weight with silky tannins. One of the most approachable and early drinking Grand Crus. (90/100)
Clos Vougeot ‘Le Grand Maupertui’ Grand Cru 2017
Domaine Anne Gros owns a 0.94 hectare parcel with an average age of 80 year old vines. A generous yield of 42hl/ha in 2017. The Clos Vougeot offers more weight and richness than their Echezeaux, elegant array of fruit and spices. Floral nose and attractive red fruits and gravels of Clos Vougeot, yet this is one of the less in-depth Clos Vougeot from this vintage. (91/100)
Richebourg Grand Cru 2017
The Richebourg is a step up from their two other Grand Crus. Domaine Anne Gros owns 0.60 ha of Richebourg, 50% are 50 year old vines, and 50% 75 year old vines. Low yield of 25hl/ha consider the generosity of this vintage. Impressive richness and concentration with a sensual minerality quality. In-depth dark fruits, hint of liquorice and roses. Grand Cru weight with soft tannins. Great backbone with deeply laced spices and earth. (93-94/100)
