If you’ve ever wondered what happens when deep Burgundy roots meet fresh energy, AJ Vaona is your answer. The new domaine in Vosne-Romanée—helmed by the duo of Justine Mongeard and Alexandre Carminati—feels like a thoughtful evolution of a storied lineage rather than a splashy reboot. It’s Burgundy, but with the volume turned to the elegant end of the dial.
We’re talking serious pedigree here. Justine, daughter of Anne & Vincent Mongeard, has spent years running things at Domaine Mongeard-Mugneret and learning from top names across the Côte. Alexandre served as Vincent’s right hand for seven years and more recently worked at Maison Nicolas Potel. The new estate is even housed in the former cellar of Dominique Mugneret—where Justine’s grandfather, Jean Mongeard, vinified his first vintages. That’s not just romance; that’s continuity with purpose.
AJ Vaona kicks off with the 2022 vintage, blending domaine and négociant selections from family vineyards. But it’s the 2023s that start to show a signature—refined, poised, and very drinkable without feeling obvious. As Steen Öhman notes, “The style is more refined and pure than the Mongeard’s more extravagant oaked wines” (Steen Öhman, Winehog – with a passion). If you’ve ever felt Burgundy got a little too gym-bro with the barrels, AJ Vaona seems to be opting for finesse over flex.
The name itself nods to place: Vaona is the former Gaulish name for Vosne. Smart move—because while these wines don’t scream Vosne, they carry a whisper of it: lifted aromatics, sleek lines, and a cool-headed feel. As Öhman writes, “They have prepared this startup for many years” (Steen Öhman, Winehog – with a passion). And it shows. There’s intent behind the restraint.
Let’s talk bottles. The AJ Vaona Bourgogne Blanc 2023 offers fresh lift, good density, and enough depth to make weeknight dinners feel like you planned ahead. The Meursault 2023 brings vivid energy and balance—rare to see from a Vosne-based project—supported by 50% new oak that reads more frame than flavor. On the red side, the Bourgogne Rouges 2023 (yes, plural as listed) is lightfooted, generous, and easy to love, while the Hautes Côtes de Nuits Les Dame Huguette 2023 leans cool and elegant, enhancing the site’s natural charm.
What’s striking across the range is the neutrality of the style—clean, precise, but not clinical. You’ll get clarity and a fine-boned structure rather than flashy oak or extracted fruit. For Burgundy drinkers who chase purity and line, this is catnip. For collectors, it’s a cue to get in early—young domaines with strong foundations tend to find their stride quickly.
Zooming out, AJ Vaona sits in that interesting Burgundy niche: part domaine, part négociant, rooted in family holdings yet nimble enough to source. Done right, this model can focus on terroir expression while keeping the cellar philosophy consistent. Based on the early releases and Öhman’s first look, AJ Vaona is steering toward elegant, understated wines that will reward patience. Drink windows suggested in the source—2026 for the entry Bourgognes, 2029 for the Meursault and Hautes Côtes—feel aligned with the style’s cool composure.
How to approach these? If you’re building a Burgundy lineup for the next five to ten years, the 2023s look like a graceful middle lane—freshness now, more dimension later. Pair the whites with your favorite seafood (grilled halibut, buttery scallops, or a clean sushi spread), and let the reds glide alongside roast chicken, earthy mushrooms, or a simple charcuterie board that doesn’t try too hard. These aren’t shouty wines; they’re the friends who make everyone else feel comfortable.
The bigger takeaway: AJ Vaona isn’t chasing hype. It’s channeling experience and heritage into wines that feel composed and honest. And in a region where the price of admission often equals a minor existential crisis, that approach is refreshing. Burgundy is best when it remembers it’s about pleasure—place speaking quietly, not a megaphone of oak and extraction.
If this is the start, I’m here for the ride. Keep an eye on AJ Vaona as the cellar settles and the sourcing tightens. The first steps are elegant, the intent is clear, and the ceiling looks high. Burgundy purists, modernists, and anyone who likes their wines with a little soul and not too much swagger—there’s something here for you.
Quotes from the source article by Steen Öhman on Winehog – with a passion.
Key Takeaways
- Pinot Noir lovers should take note—this story has implications for your next pour.
- Key themes: AJ Vaona, Vosne-Romanée, Burgundy 2023—stay informed on these evolving trends.
- The takeaway? Keep exploring, keep tasting, and don’t be afraid to try something new.
