2016 Domaine de l’Arlot Nuits-Saint-Georges Cuvée La Gerbotte Blanc, Burgundy

This wine comes mostly from a small plot, historically called La Gerbotte, in the southern-most part of Arlot’s monopole 1er Cru vineyard, Clos de l’Arlot. Situated behind the main house, the vines here border the Clos de la Maréchale where Fred Mugnier has also planted Chardonnay. He has stated that this was inspired by the whites of Clos de l’Arlot. La Gerbotte is a slightly cooler site with a different geology to the main Clos de l’Arlot vines, pink ‘Premeaux limestone’ rather than the white limestone of the true Clos. Planted between 1992 and 2006, the 0.49 hectares of vines include about 2% Pinot Beurot (Pinot Gris). Although this wine could be legally labelled as 1er cru, the Estate classifies it as villages and will continue to do so until the vines reach a higher maturity. That makes this an unequivocal bargain. On top of the Gerbotte fruit, this cuvée also includes some younger vine material from the main Clos as well as some press wine from the Clos de l'Arlot blanc. Raised with 20% new oak, although you can’t see it, this is superb and so unique. There is a finesse you don’t often find in Cote de Nuits whites and yet there is also real density and even grip. Expect pulpy yet racy white nectarine, honey and chalk characters and juicy, crunchy acidity throughout. The finish has a wonderful, quinine-like pinch of bitterness. Terrific. Godot has nailed the whites this year.

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“The 2016 Domaine de l’Arlot Nuits-Saint-Georges La Gerbotte includes 20% new oak this year. It comes from young vines next to the Clos de la Maréchale on white limestone soils. It has a clean and fresh, slightly smoky, flinty bouquet that opens nicely in the glass. I like the focus and precision here. The palate is medium-bodied with impressive weight and energy. The acidity is well judged, and there is a lot of concentration without becoming overbearing toward the finish. This is a very accomplished white Côte de Nuits from de l'Arlot.”