Domaine d'Eugénie - Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru 2023
Located in Vosne-Romanée, Domaine d'Eugénie was established in 2006 following the acquisition of Domaine René Engel by the Pinault family, who also own Château Latour in Pauillac. The estate has gradually become one of the benchmark domaines of the Côte de Nuits, thanks to an exceptional heritage of plots and a philosophy based on precise viticulture, respect for the soil, and the expression of each terroir. Clos de Vougeot holds a major place in Burgundy's history, with its approximately 50 hectares of vineyards entirely enclosed by walls, a legacy of the Cistercian monks who developed this vineyard from the 12th century. Domaine d'Eugénie owns a plot of about 1.37 hectares located in the upper part of the clos, in immediate proximity to the château. This privileged location, on relatively thin and stony soils resting on a limestone substrate, promotes excellent drainage and a particularly refined expression of Pinot Noir. The slightly higher altitude and eastern exposure allow for regular ripening of the grapes while preserving a natural freshness essential to the wine's balance. Domaine d'Eugénie's Clos de Vougeot thus stands out for its ability to combine the depth and structure of this historic Grand Cru with the characteristic elegance of the finest terroirs of the Côte de Nuits.
The Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru 2023 is made exclusively from Pinot Noir, cultivated with a demanding approach that prioritizes soil work, yield control, and biodiversity preservation. The harvest is carried out manually, with a rigorous selection of grapes to retain only clusters showing satisfactory maturity and health. In the winery, vinification seeks a gradual and measured extraction aimed at preserving the purity of the fruit and the finesse of the tannins. The proportion of whole clusters is adapted to the characteristics of the vintage and the maturity of the stems, to bring aromatic complexity without hardening the wine's structure. Fermentations are conducted with precision, avoiding excessive intervention that could mask the terroir's identity. Aging in French oak barrels then refines the texture and supports aromatic development, with wood use designed to respect the natural balance of Pinot Noir. The 2023 vintage, marked in Burgundy by beautiful grape maturity and generous fruit expression, should give rise to a particularly harmonious Clos de Vougeot, combining concentration, freshness, and aging potential.
The Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru 2023 should reveal a deep and refined bouquet of black cherry, blackberry, and ripe raspberry, accompanied by delicate floral nuances of violet and rose. Upon aeration, notes of licorice, fine pepper, and sweet spices may gradually enrich this aromatic palette, while a subtle mineral dimension would bring further complexity. The palate promises to be ample and structured, with generous yet perfectly balanced matter, supported by fine tannins and precise acidity. The natural richness of the terroir should express itself through a silky texture, where fruit concentration is accompanied by a remarkable sensation of freshness. The finish promises beautiful persistence, extended by nuances of black fruits, spices, and wet stone. Still in its youth, this Grand Cru has excellent aging potential and should progressively develop aromas of undergrowth, truffle, fine leather, and dried flowers. It will ideally accompany roasted pigeon with morels, Rossini beef fillet, rack of lamb, wild duck, or truffled pullet.
Grape variety: 100% Pinot Noir
