Camille Giroud

Owner(s) Ann Colgin, Joe Wender
Web site www.camillegiroud.com
 
Link to this site
Founded in 1965 by the man of that name, for many years this producer was known for traditional, long-aged Burgundies. It was acquired in 2002 by Ann Colgin and husband Joe Wender. They brought in young winemaker David Croix, turned to Becky Wasserman for direction, and undertook a major revamping of the winery, including the introduction of a wooden press for the red wines, open wooden vats for fermentation, use of little or no new oak and little racking. The winemaking represents a perfect blend of tradition and modern technology. A remarkable turnaround has occurred, and the wines are now much more supple and approachable.

Reviewed Wines

2005 Maison Camille Giroud Beaune 1er Cru Cent Vignes

Maison Camille Giroud was founded in 1865 and is one of the last small negociant firms in Burgundy. Giroud has always specialized in wines that age and still has small stocks in the cellars of vintages going back to 1937. Maison Giroud was purchased in 2002 by an American group. Winemaker David Croix is not a “modernist,” but believes that the most important factor in producing Burgundies true to their appellation is the work that is done in the vineyards. Croix uses a wooden press for the red wines, open wooden vats for fermentation, and no new oak barrels. David comes to the IPNC every two years. This year he sported a T-shirt which said on the front, “Dogma Kills Pinot,” and on the back “Terroriste.” · The absence of noticeable oak is readily apparent in Croix’s wines. Unlike the Giroud tradition, his wines are readily accessible when young. This wine had a lush core of red fruits, ever-expanding flavors, attractive spice, creamy texture and a respectable acid spine. Understated, but entirely seductive. Reviewed --/--/--

2005 Camille Giroud Marsannay Les Longeroies

12.5% alc., $25. Imported by Veritas Imports, Beverly Hills, CA, a Becky Wasserman and Burgundy Wine Company Selection. · Delicate and charming featuring raspberry, dried cherry and pomegranate fruits that slip lightly over the palate. Very smooth and delicate: a Grace Kelly of a wine. The most approachable wine of the several in this lineup and still drinking fine the next day from a previously opened re-corked bottle. I like it for what it is. Score: 87. Reviewed October 3, 2009 ARTICLE »

2004 Maison Camille Giroud Bourgogne

12.5%, $18. Imported by Adventures in Wine, a Becky Wasserman Selection, Daly City, CA. Founded in 1965 by the man of that name, for many years this producer was known for traditional, long-aged Burgundies. It was acquired in 2002 by Ann Colgin and husband Joe Wender. They brought in young winemaker David Croix, turned to Becky Wasserman for direction, and undertook a major revamping of the winery, including the introduction of modern winemaking, use of gentle oak and little racking. A remarkable turnaround has occurred, and the wines are now much more supple and approachable. · This wine has an appealing sappy cherry aromatic nucleus. The sweet core of caressing red fruit is framed by spice and musk. Harmonious from start to finish, this is a wine that will win hearts without pillaging the wallet. Reviewed October 14, 2007 ARTICLE »

1978 Camille Giroud Gevrey-Chambertain 1er Les Cazetiers

This was a decent wine but no one was ga-ga over it. It was simple and balanced but not exciting. The best feature was a sweet spicy finish. It still had fine tannins and probably could last awhile, but there would be no point to aging it further. Reviewed December 10, 2006 ARTICLE »

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