2003 Nuits Saint-Georges Village

"A millesime d'exception from a climat d'exception," says Christian Gouges about 2003."The wines will be fantastic to follow. And that's all I'm going to say about this vintage."Like the Chevillons, Gouges started harvesting just after the refreshing precipitation that fell on August 28, which he said perked up the grapes by direct contact rather than swelling them by being absorbed through the vines' roots.Gouges did his shortest cuvaison ever, with very little pigeage, and acidified his top three wines in cuve.The premier crus are all between 13.8% and 14.2% alcohol.On my November visit, Gouges described 2002 as "the most balanced vintage I've ever made."(Vineyard Brands, Birmingham, AL)