Domaine Drouhin-Laroze - Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru, 2010
Domaine Drouhin-Laroze was founded in 1850 by by Jean-Baptiste Laroze. Over the following decades, the vignerons of the Drouhin’s family proved wise enough to secure some of the best vineyard plots in the Cote de Nuits. To present, Domaine Drouhin-Laroze owns a total of six different Grand Crus, a record few families in Burgundy have surpassed.
Clos de Vougeot is one of these Grand Crus. It is actually one of the most famous Grand Crus in Burgundy. And the largest, with its 50 hectares of extension. Clos de Vougeot is divided into 100 different parcels owned by some 80 different producers. A clear sign of the notorious fragmentation of the Burgundian vineyards.
To the eye, a rich ruby hue with the characteristic pale intensity of French pinot noir. To the nose, this wine presents a huge concentration from the beginning. It’s intensely perfumed, heady and sensual. The red and black fruit is very rich and ripe (but somehow not overripe): raspberry compote, fleshy cherry, red and black plums. A touch of dried red berries coming through as well. Intensely spiced, the wine combines a double nature: earth and sweet suggestions. Notes of autumn leaves, old bark, juniper meet nuances of thyme, sage, clove, nutmeg, leather. The flower component is splendid: violet, rose, lilac. A truly sensual beauty, with immense richness and complexity.
To the palate this wine is medium to full in body, with a dense and rich red and black fruitiness that coats your mouth. Almost like chewing juicy cherry pulp. Tons of different spices follow one another: earth, juniper, a soft liquorice nuance, anise, old bark, sage, thyme, but also a delicate meatiness with furry accents. The acidity is just perfect: high, linear, crystalline – magnificently cutting the intense fruitiness. Tannins are medium/medium+ in level, but very silky and fine-grained. A perfect Burgundy mouthfeel! Really intense and multi-layered, with a super-long finish, its sensual touch permeating for ages. A superb red Burgundy!