Clos de Vougeot
Grand Cru 2023
Clos de Vougeot is and will always be much more than just a wine. This appellation is a the standard bearer, the emblem of the whole Côte d’Or...
Origin
The Clos de Vougeot in the heart of the Côte de Nuits occupies most of the vineyard area belonging to the commune of Vougeot. Vougeot’s neighbours are Chambolle-Musigny, Flagey-Échezeaux and Vosne-Romanée. On the slopes at the upper end of the Clos, it abuts on the vineyards of Musigny and GrandsÉchezeaux. Founded around 1110 AD by the monks of nearby Cîteaux, who remained its owners until the French Revolution (1789), the Clos de Vougeot is a Burgundian icon. Its 50.59 ha. have never been broken up and it retains its identity intact within the walls which were built to enclose it 5 centuries ago. Its wines are among the finest of the Grands Crus reds.
The château, (which adjoins the cellars and the winery with its giant presses dating back to the 12th and 14th centuries), is built in the Burgundian Renaissance style and is open to visitors. The Confrérie des Chevaliers du Tastevin holds its meetings or “chapters” here and therefore it is no surprise that the finest food and wine in France is found here.
Viticulture
Grape variety: pinot noir
Soils: mostly clay and very stony on the surface.
Orientation: East
Pruning: Guyot system
Average age of the vines: 51 years old.
Vinification
Harvest date: 10 September 2023.
The grapes were handpicked. They were sorted a first time in the vineyard and again on the sorting table when they arrived at the winery.
At the winery: 50% of grapes were destemmed but not crushed (they were left whole) and were gravity-fed into tanks. Total maceration lasted a total of 18 days including 5 days of cold maceration (12°C). Fermentation used indigenous yeasts only (no additives such as enzymes or tannins were used). 3 punchings of the cap.
Ageing
Maturation: aged on the lees for 17 months with no racking using a proportion of 30% new French oak barrels.
Barrels: French oak barrels that had been toasted at low temperatures for a long time to impart a very delicate touch of oak to the wine.
Bottling
Bottling: by gravity on March 24, 2025, wine fined with bentonite, very light lenticular filtration.
Number of bottles: 2,758 bottles & 100 magnums.
Vintage
Fruity and generous
The 2023 vintage experienced unpredictable weather conditions, making work in the vineyards essential for grape quality. Harvesting began in early September under intense heat with the Chardonnays to avoid over-ripening, followed by the reds. The whites will spend two winters in the cellar, while the Pinot Noirs will have undergone short ageing to preserve the fruity aromas. A vintage that brings out the best in each terroir, offering wines that are bright and delicious.
Ageing potential: 10 years and more.
Awards
Tim Atkin - Burgundy 2023 Special Report - 95 points
Bourgogne Aujourd'hui Magazine - 15,5/20
JancisRobinson.com -Negociants'2023 Burgundies - 17.5+ / 20
Tasting notes
With its brilliant garnet-red color, this wine has an elegant nose with aromas of red berries and cherry pits, enriched by hints of sweet spices. On the palate, it has a fine structure, supported by silky tannins. Harmonious, round and rich, with a long, remarkable finish.
