Vinyards of the Georges Roumier winery, Chambolle-Musigny, Burgundy, France, 2017. Photograph by Eric FeferbergAFP via Getty Images

Collecting guide: Domaine Georges Roumier

An expert guide to the fine wines produced at this revered Burgundy estate

Burgundy’s wine producer Domaine Roumier has established a legacy that spans generations, captivated the palates of connoisseurs, and garnered critical acclaim across the globe. The wines of Roumier are renowned for a seamless integration of minerality, acidity, and fruit, as well as excellent ageing potential, scarcity, and consistently high quality. 

With a rich history rooted in tradition and commitment to quality, Domaine Roumier is a name that has garnered admiration for nearly 100 years.

Georges Roumier, Bonnes-Mares, 1990. 10 bottles per lot. Estimate $35,000-45,000. Offered in Fine and Rare Wines Online Featuring the Time Capsule Collection of Undisturbed Legends of the Côte dOr on 31 May - 13 June at Christie’s online
Georges Roumier, Bonnes-Mares, 1990. 10 bottles per lot. Estimate: $35,000-45,000. Offered in Fine and Rare Wines Online: Featuring the Time Capsule Collection of Undisturbed Legends of the Côte d'Or on 31 May - 13 June at Christie’s online

A heritage of excellence 

The story of Domaine Roumier begins in 1924, when Georges Roumier married Geneviève Quanquin. Quanquin’s dowry included a collection of vineyards in the appellation of Chambolle-Musigny, which became the foundation of the estate. Georges was a true artisan with an unwavering passion for crafting wines of exceptional quality. 

In 1945 Georges initiated the practice of domaine bottling, and following this, the producer’s reputation soared. Georges passed on his skills and knowledge to his son, Jean-Marie Roumier, who became the second generation to run the estate. 

Under Jean-Marie's guidance, the domaine’s reputation for excellence continued to grow steadily. Jean-Marie had a profound respect for the terroir and vineyards, and he instilled this ethos in his son, Christophe Roumier, who joined the family business in 1981 after studying oenology at Dijon University. 

Domaine Roumier remains a family-owned and operated estate today, with Christophe at the helm. In addition to drawing inspiration from his father and grandfather, Christophe has also been inspired by his close relationships with other legendary Burgundian winemakers including Henri Jayer, Jacques D’Angerville, and Jacques Seysses. 

Christophe has continued the estate's legacy of excellence, producing wines that are widely regarded as some of the finest in Burgundy and the world.

Meticulous vineyard practices 

At the heart of Roumier's success lies a deep respect for terroir — as Christophe himself put it, ‘We don’t make Pinot Noir; we make wines from terroir which expresses itself through Pinot Noir’. 

The estate boasts an impressive array of vineyards, which are all carefully selected and meticulously maintained. From the Premier Cru vineyards of Chambolle-Musigny to the Grands Crus of Bonnes Mares and Musigny, each plot is treated with the utmost care and attention to detail. 

Roumier's commitment to sustainable viticulture is evident in their practices. Embracing organic and biodynamic principles, the estate focuses on preserving the natural balance of the vineyards while nurturing the health of the soil and vines. These sustainable practices not only ensure the longevity of the land but also contribute to the unique expression of each wine.

Georges Roumier, Bonnes-Mares, 1998. 12 bottles per lot. Estimate 20,000-30,000. Offered in Fine and Rare Wines Online Featuring the Time Capsule Collection of Undisturbed Legends of the Côte dOr on 31 May - 13 June at Christie’s online

Georges Roumier, Bonnes-Mares, 1998. 12 bottles per lot. Estimate: 20,000-30,000. Offered in Fine and Rare Wines Online: Featuring the Time Capsule Collection of Undisturbed Legends of the Côte d'Or on 31 May - 13 June at Christie’s online

A testament to time 

Roumier's wines are revered for their ability to age gracefully, offering an evolving tapestry of flavors and aromas that captivate the senses. The meticulous winemaking process, combined with the extraordinary terroir, yields wines of exceptional depth and complexity. 

Whether it's the ethereal Chambolle-Musigny Les Amoureuses or the majestic Musigny, each bottle tells a story of time, patience, and unparalleled craftsmanship.

Georges Roumier, Musigny, 1993. Estimate 8,000-12,000. Offered in Fine and Rare Wines Online Featuring the Time Capsule Collection of Undisturbed Legends of the Côte dOr on 31 May - 13 June at Christie’s online
Georges Roumier, Musigny, 1993. Estimate: 8,000-12,000. Offered in Fine and Rare Wines Online: Featuring the Time Capsule Collection of Undisturbed Legends of the Côte d'Or on 31 May - 13 June at Christie’s online

Roumier’s most lauded holdings 

Bonnes-Mares 

Bonnes-Mares is one of only two Grands Crus in the Côte de Nuits. It lies primarily within Chambolle-Musigny, with a small plot in neighbouring Morey-Saint-Denis. Roumier’s holdings in Bonnes-Mares are all located in the Chambolle and measure 1.45 hectares. While Christophe Roumier believes that Musigny is the greatest Grand Cru in the Côte D’Or, he often finds that with his wines, the Bonnes-Mares outshines Le Musigny with greater consistency. 

Le Musigny 

Arguably the greatest vineyard in Chambolle-Musigny, this vineyard has a reputation for producing wines of finesse, elegance, and delicate intensity. Roumier’s Musigny (which has vines dating back to 1934) is a rare and mythical wine with an annual production of only a few hundred bottles. Its quality and rarity have made it one of the most sought-after and expensive wines in Burgundy alongside Domaine de la Romanée Conti and Domaine Leroy. 

Corton-Charlemagne 

One of Roumier’s smallest holdings is on Pernand-Vergelesse’s side of Corton-Charlemagne. It measures 0.2 hectares and produces a rare white wine for the domaine. The parcel was originally purchased by Christophe’s mother in 1968, but the first vintage wasn’t until 1974. For those who can find it, Roumier’s Corton-Charlemagne is an apex expression of Chardonnay.

Georges Roumier, Chambolle-Musigny, Les Amoureuses, 1995. Estimate $4,000-6,000. Offered in Fine and Rare Wines Online Featuring the Time Capsule Collection of Undisturbed Legends of the Côte dOr on 31 May - 13 June at Christie’s online

Georges Roumier, Chambolle-Musigny, Les Amoureuses, 1995. Estimate: $4,000-6,000. Offered in Fine and Rare Wines Online: Featuring the Time Capsule Collection of Undisturbed Legends of the Côte d'Or on 31 May - 13 June at Christie’s online

Les Amoureuses

Designated as a Premier Cru, Les Amoureuses often rivals its Grand Cru neighbours in terms of quality. Roumier’s holdings in this Climat were planted in three stages: 1954, 1966 and 1971. The wine produced is one of the crown jewels of Roumier’s portfolio and consistently breaks auction records. 

Acclaim from critics and collectors 

The critical acclaim bestowed upon Domaine Roumier is a testament to its unwavering excellence. 

Internationally-renowned publications and critics consistently award Roumier’s bottles with high scores — Jancis Robinson has described them as ‘ethereal’, 'captivating’, and ‘profound’, and Robert Parker has described Roumier as ‘the holy grail for collectors’. 

Beyond the scorecards, Roumier's wines have captivated the palates of collectors worldwide, and they are competitively sought-after at Christie’s auctions.

The wines produced by this legendary estate represent the essence of Burgundy, each bottle embodying the highest standard of tradition, terroir, and unparalleled craftsmanship. As Domaine Roumier moves into the future, it is poised to remain one of the most collectible wines in the world.

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