2015 Domaine de l’Arlot Nuits-Saint-Georges 1er Cru Mont des Oiseaux Cellar Release, Burgundy

Unfortunately, there was no 2016 of this wine as there was simply not enough fruit to produce a separate cuvée. However, last year l’Arlot took the decision to hold back a parcel of the 2015 to re-offer their clients with the 2016 releases. Et voilà. From the vines at the very top of Clos de l’Arlot that has a particular terroir: steeper and with a blend of white and pink limestone and chalky clay soils. In fact, the terroir here resembles the La Gerbotte site and the vines ripen a few days earlier than their counterparts at the clay-rich, bottom sector of the Clos. The fruit here was fully destemmed, the only 2015 red cuvée to be afforded such treatment, but it remains racy and fresh with vibrant raspberry, red cherry and Asian spice notes and a racy, crunchy close. So fine, jubey and delicious. By the way, the name of the cuvée is taken from the path that runs through the Domaine’s enchanting gardens at the rear of the property.

“A whiff of (good) reduction. On the palate the full force of ripe raspberries and red, juicy cherries is unleashed. This is full of charm and joy. The abundance of perfectly countered by fresh acidity. Slender, precious, full of joy.” 

“♥ Outstanding. The expressive nose is at once more elegant, spicier and more complex with its layered array of red and dark currant liqueur scents that enjoy a floral top note. The rich, concentrated and vibrant yet refined flavors are also quite suave and seductively textured while offering a harmonious, persistent and moderately firm finale. In short, this is a lovely effort that could be enjoyable young but it should also repay up to a decade of cellaring.”