The soft glow of Olivier's laptop cast a warm light on the quiet solitude of his study. Tonight marked a pivotal moment, the culmination of a lifetime's passion. His meticulously curated collection – the world's largest single-estate assembly of Burgundies from the iconic Domaine Jean-Michel Guillon – was about to go under the hammer in an online auction. A love affair with wine, sparked by a transformative sip of 1962 Calon Ségur on his 18th birthday, was poised to enter a new chapter. 

Olivier's heart swelled with a bittersweet mix of emotions. He vividly recalled the day he stumbled upon a book detailing the remarkable journey of Jean-Michel Guillon, an army pilot turned visionary winemaker.  A pilgrimage to the vineyards followed, and a meeting with the winemaker himself – a kindred spirit – cemented a lifelong friendship built on a shared passion for Burgundy's unique terroir and Guillon's philosophy of respecting the grapes and the land. 

Each bottle in Olivier's collection held not just wine, but 26 years of memories, lovingly preserved. Tonight, though, wasn't about holding onto the past; it was about releasing those memories, sharing the joy of these wines with the world. 

“Le Goût Guillon”: The Pinnacle of Burgundy 

Zachys is proud to present an unprecedented auction offering that's open for bidding right now: the complete portfolio of Jean-Michel and Alexis Guillon wines. Each bottle was acquired directly from the estate upon release and has been impeccably stored. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the full spectrum of their artistry, exploring multiple terroirs and vintages and gaining a profound understanding of their winemaking philosophy.  

While revered in France, Domaine Guillon has managed to stay surprisingly under the radar in the U.S. The Domaine was created in 1980 in Gevrey-Chambertin, by Jean-Michel Guillon—a former pilot in the French military with no training or pedigree in winemaking. He began his career with just 2.3ha and spent the next 44 years accumulating holdings. The Domaine now spans 15 ha across Santenay and Marsannay for the white wines and Mazis-Chambertin, Gevrey-Chambertin, Morey St Denis, Chambolle Musigny, Nuits st Georges, and Clos de Vougeot for the red wines. 

If you're not yet familiar with the wines of Jean-Michel and Alexis Guillon, you might recognize the name of one of Jean-Michel's mentors: the legendary Henri Jayer. Jean-Michel's work in the vineyard was deeply influenced by Jayer's teachings: respect the vineyard, pick at full maturity, sort meticulously, employ long and slow maceration, whole-cluster fermentation, and use 100% new oak barrels (hand-selected by M. Guillon from the oldest forests in France) for every cuvée. In fact, only DRC and the Hospices de Beaune purchase more new barrels than Domaine Jean-Michel Guillon. 

A true pioneer in the Burgundy revolution, Jean-Michel Guillon stands shoulder-to-shoulder with other icons of the region. A champion of new oak and the rich, seamless style that defines Burgundy’s finest, Guillon's wines deserve their place among the most celebrated names in the region for their exceptional quality, distinctive style, and undeniable pedigree.  

Olivier eloquently describes "Le Goût Guillon" as the convergence of terroir, fruit concentration, gentle extraction, and meticulous oak selection. It is, at its core, a perfect balance of finesse and power, a flavor profile achieved only through the expertise and dedication of Jean-Michel Guillon and his son, Alexis. 

We've titled this auction “Le Goût Guillon,” because our team wholeheartedly agrees with the critics. It's a wholly unique and compelling flavor profile that earned Jean-Michel the title of “Winemaker of the Year” by the Guide Hachette as recently as 2020.  

You don’t have to just take our word on how excellent these wines are though, Allen Meadows of Burghound has published glowing reviews across the Guillon portfolio, here are some hightlights:

 

2013 Clos Vougeot 

“The 2013 Guillon range shines across the board, but the Gevrey-based wines are particularly exceptional. This wine exhibits impressive ripeness, with generous oak influence lending notes of menthol, spice, cassis, and an earthy depth. A powerful expression of its terroir, it boasts excellent mid-palate concentration, leading to a symphony of well-defined, energetic flavors that leave a lasting impression. The finish is muscular and persistent, revealing a wine that will continue to evolve and reward patience for years to come...92-94.” Allen Meadow, Burghound.

 

2014 Clos Vougeot 

“The nose, initially reticent, slowly unveils enticing notes of red currant, dark pinot fruit, and warm earth, all subtly framed by a touch of oak toast. On the palate, the wine is sleek and muscular, with remarkable concentration and a powerful, youthful austerity that promises a long life ahead. This wine demands patience, rewarding those who cellar it with an unforgettable experience...92-94.” - Allen Meadows, Burghound.

 

2017 Champonnets

“The nose, once dominated by oak, has evolved beautifully, showcasing delicate notes of herbal tea, earth, and a hint of wildness alongside a core of dark berries. The influence of old vines shines through, delivering impressive density and power for the vintage. The palate is taut and muscular, culminating in a robust, subtly rustic finish. This wine is clearly on an upward trajectory. While enjoyable now with aeration, its full potential will unfold with another 5 to 8 years of careful cellaring...92.” Allen Meadows, Burghound.

 

Whether you're a Burgundy aficionado, a curious explorer, or simply someone who appreciates a truly exceptional wine, this is your moment. The Guillon collection offers deep, silky, and elegant wines that are an absolute delight – and with starting bids as low as $35/bottle, there's no reason not to indulge. The sale is open for bidding now right here, so check it out!