Domaine de L'Arlot Clos des Forets Saint-Georges Nuits-Saint-Georges Premier Cru 2019

The second of two great monopole vineyards at the core of this domaine, this is also one of the great terroirs of Nuits, made clear by its position so close to Les Saint-Georges (and its name which reflects this proximity). At 7.2 hectares, Clos des Forêts Saint-Georges is by far the largest single parcel in the l’Arlot stable and produces the estate’s most profound red wine.

Running the entire width of the Côte from the forest to the RN74, Forêts contains three distinct terroirs which l’Arlot picks and vinifies separately. From top to bottom, these three soil types include a band of white oolitic limestone with very little topsoil; a fracture in the middle of the vineyard, where pink Prémeaux limestone takes over; then ‘younger’ Ladoix limestone and more clay at the bottom of the slope. A portion of the youngest vines were previously harvested for the now-defunct Petits Plets cuvée. Now over 30 years old, these vines have come of age and so form a part of this cuvée.

This is the deepest, most intense red in the l’Arlot stable and one that perfectly highlights the dark-fruited, inky power of this terroir. Where last year the fruit for this cuvée was completely de-stemmed, the 2019 was fermented with 30% whole bunches and aged with 35% new oak, bringing more perfume but also more structure. It’s a superb example of this wine which, quite frankly, remains one of the bargains of the Côte de Nuits. Like all Burgundy bargains, it won’t last long—don’t say we didn’t tell you!

“The most structured and muscular of Domaine de l’Arlot's premiers crus, the 2019 Nuits-Saint-Georges 1er Cru Clos des Forêts St Georges wafts from the glass with aromas of cassis, plums, dark berries, raw cocoa and sweet soil tones. Medium to full-bodied, deep and concentrated, with lively acids, powdery tannins and a youthfully chalky finish, this is an elegantly muscular wine built to age.” 93-95 points, William Kelley, The Wine Advocate

“It has the best bouquet from the domaine this year, delivering gorgeous red fruits laced with violet that burst from the glass, quite Vosne-like in style. The palate is succulent but structured on the entry, presenting a perfect line of acidity, while beautifully integrated oak lends a seamless texture. Very persistent and satiny on the finish. An outstanding wine for the vintage.” 93-95 points, Neal Martin, Vinous

Sweet Spot. Outstanding. “As is typically the case, this displays a completely different aromatic profile with its array of ripe dark berries, cassis, warm earth and a whiff of the sauvage. The dense, powerful and muscular big-bodied flavors possess excellent size, weight and punch while remaining balanced on the wonderfully persistent finish. While this can't match the Clos de l’Arlot or the Suchots for refinement, the supporting tannins are not particularly rustic; indeed it would be fair to say that this is more refined than usual.” 91-94 points, Allen Meadows, Burghound

- Notes from Bibendum