2015 Clos de Vougeot, Grand Cru, Domaine Arnoux-Lachaux, Burgundy

Domaine Arnoux-Lachaux

Nestled in Burgundy, France, Domaine Arnoux-Lachaux has a rich winemaking heritage and a commitment to excellence, with a winemaking history dating back to the late 19th century. Over the years, it has transformed, expanding its vineyard holdings and refining its practices. Today, the family-owned domaine upholds its heritage while embracing modern techniques.

The estate boasts prime vineyard holdings in some of Burgundy's most prestigious appellations. The carefully selected parcels, including vineyards in Vosne-Romanée and Nuits Saint Georges, are characterized by diverse soil types, contributing to the distinct character of their wines. The combination of terroir and expert craftsmanship results in exceptional complexity and depth wines.

Guided by a philosophy of minimal intervention, the team allows the grapes' natural expression to shine through. Hand-harvesting, gentle handling, and precise barrel aging are just some of the techniques used to preserve the purity of the fruit and craft wines of timeless elegance.

The domaine's portfolio includes an array of wines, each expressing the unique terroir of its origin. Among their notable bottlings are the Vosne-Romanée Premier Cru, Nuits-Saint-Georges Premier Cru, and the Grand Cru wines, such as Romanée-Saint-Vivant. These wines embody the essence of Pinot Noir, showcasing opulence, finesse, and the potential for graceful aging.

Domaine Arnoux-Lachaux stands as a testament to the timeless allure of Burgundian wines. With a storied legacy, exceptional vineyards, and a passion for winemaking, this domaine has garnered acclaim from critics and wine enthusiasts worldwide. Their wines consistently receive high scores and accolades, further solidifying their reputation for excellence.

Vougeot

Most of the wine produced in this small village comes from a single, walled Grand Cru vineyard, the famous Clos de Vougeot. The vineyard in its present form dates from 1336 (when it was first planted by monks of Cîteaux), although it was not until the following century that it was entirely enclosed by stone walls. 

• Five hectares of village Vougeot
• 12 hectares of Premier Cru vineyards (four in all): Les Cras, Les Petits-Vougeots, Clos de la Perrière and Clos Blanc de Vougeot
• 51 hectares of Grand Cru vineyard – Clos de Vougeot
• Recommended producers:  Domaine de la Vougeraie, Domaine Bertagna, Engel, Anne Gros, Grivot, Liger-Belair, Meo-Camuzet.

Pinot Noir

Pinot Noir is probably the most frustrating, and at times infuriating, wine grape in the world. However when it is successful, it can produce some of the most sublime wines known to man. This thin-skinned grape which grows in small, tight bunches performs well on well-drained, deepish limestone based subsoils as are found on Burgundy's Côte d'Or.

Pinot Noir is more susceptible than other varieties to over cropping - concentration and varietal character disappear rapidly if yields are excessive and yields as little as 25hl/ha are the norm for some climats of the Côte d`Or.

Because of the thinness of the skins, Pinot Noir wines are lighter in colour, body and tannins. However the best wines have grip, complexity and an intensity of fruit seldom found in wine from other grapes. Young Pinot Noir can smell almost sweet, redolent with freshly crushed raspberries, cherries and redcurrants. When mature, the best wines develop a sensuous, silky mouth feel with the fruit flavours deepening and gamey "sous-bois" nuances emerging.

The best examples are still found in Burgundy, although Pinot Noir`s key role in Champagne should not be forgotten. It is grown throughout the world with notable success in the Carneros and Russian River Valley districts of California, and the Martinborough and Central Otago regions of New Zealand.