Domaine Laurent Roumier Clos Vougeot 2019

The Clos Vougeot is the crown jewel of Domaine Laurent Roumier — and the story of how it came to be in his hands is inseparable from the Roumier family's deep roots in Chambolle. The parcel of just over half a hectare in the lieu-dit Grand Maupertuis was worked en métayage by Georges Roumier from the 1950s before being transferred to Laurent from the 1997 vintage. Grand Maupertuis sits in the higher part of Clos Vougeot, bordering the grand cru Grands Échezeaux and not far from Musigny — the most prestigious zone of the entire 50-hectare Clos, where the thinner, stonier soils over limestone produce wines of far greater finesse and aromatic lift than the heavier clay soils of the lower sections. The wine is aged for 18 months in 50% new Rousseau barrels before being bottled unfined and unfiltered — a purity of approach that honours the exceptional source material without artifice.

Deeply perfumed with vibrant dark fruit and wonderfully fine tannins, this is a stunning grand cru of real freshness and vigour — a remarkably rich, deep and stylish wine that would put some notable Musignys to shame. The nose offers very beautiful notes of red fruits, toasted bread and a delicate floral touch; on the palate ample and delicate, with a velvety texture that caresses the palate and an exceptional finish marked by fine minerality. Cassis and blackberry with notes of liquorice and earthy aromas of dried autumn leaves — dense and concentrated, with tannins that are powerful but refined, supported by fine acidity and a long, persistent finish. Cellar for a decade and revisit with appropriate reverence.