“This has always been one of my favorite Cote de Beaune domaines.” – Robert Parker Jr., The Growers and Producers of Burgundy.

Gaunoux has been known for delivering top-tier Pommard Pinots. Gaunoux is a historic family name in the Côte de Beaune, renowned for its most distinguished member, Henri Gaunoux, a prominent vigneron active during the years surrounding the Second World War. Following his passing in 1972, his estate was allocated among his relatives, leading his two sons to merge the vineyard holdings into two distinct domaines: Domaine François Gaunoux located in Meursault and Domaine Michel Gaunoux situated in Pommard.

Today Domaine Michel Gaunoux is run by the great-grandchildren of Henri Gaunoux: Anne and Alexandre. They are guided by their mother (daughter of Michel Gaunoux). Since they embrace the most traditional way of winemaking, not only in terms of techniques, but also in terms of the way they conduct business, their wines are only released when they are mature for drinking; and the family chose to be quiet about their formidable achievements. It is therefore no wonder that wine critic William Kelley called them “among the region’s best kept secrets”.

Domaine Michel Gaunoux is not to be mistaken with Domaine Jean-Michel Gaunoux. Jean-Michel Gaunoux is the son of Francois Gaunoux. In 1978, Jean-Michel began collaborating with François. In 1990, he separated from his father to establish his own domaine, utilizing vineyard parcels inherited from his maternal lineage. The following year, he constructed a new, exceptionally deep and cool cellar along with an aging room. The domaine encompasses nearly six hectares, or 14.5 acres, across the villages of Meursault, Pommard, Puligny-Montrachet, and Volnay. The production is nearly evenly divided between Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, with Jean-Michel demonstrating proficiency in both varietals.

The hallmark of Gaunoux wines is their regal quality, characterized by a confident presence that does not rely on ostentation or flamboyance; one will not encounter excessive extractions or heavily toasted oak in his offerings. These wines possess a strong identity, showcasing purity, length, minerality, and the potential for aging.