Tasting Notes
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. 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! - Importer Note
Domaine de l'Arlot, with its hillside vineyards and 19th century gardens, has what many consider to be the most beautiful estate in Burgundy. Since the late 1980s this producer has also been responsible for some of the prettiest red Burgundies going around. The perfume, silkiness and flickering clarity of these wines is born of the l'Arlot vineyards, and the Prémeaux terroir in general. Prémeaux has always stood apart from the rest of Nuits-Saint-Georges and made wines that are altogether more fine and elegant than those produced further North, around the town itself. L'Arlot brings the finesse of this terroir to the fore with their approach to wine growing and élevage. Biodynamic farming, perfect, well-sorted fruit, gentle extraction and whole bunch use, all play their part. Every step, from vineyard to bottle, is tailored to underline purity and finesse.
2014 was Jacques Devauges's last year as winemaker, (before he was headhunted by the great Sylvain Pitiot for the role of Clos du Tart's new régisseur), and Géraldine Godot's first. The pair worked together at harvest time, with Géraldine assuming control over the élevage prior to bottling. To her credit, Godot refuses to accept any plaudits for the quality of Arlot's '14 wines. The plaudits can wait. Thanks to the brilliance of Arlot's 2015s there will be plenty of those coming Godot's way. The energy and dynamism Géraldine Godot is bringing to Domaine de l'Arlot is palpable. Whilst retaining the core values of l'Arlot, with next year's release we are going to see a number of changes to the line-up.
- Importer Note
| Product Type | Wine Red Pinot Noir |
| Volume | 750ml |
| Country | France |
| Region | Burgundy |
| Sub Region | Nuits Saint Georges |
| Winemaking Practices | Minimal Intervention |
| Vineyard Practices | Organic/Biodynamic |