Domaine de Montille's 2016 Clos Vougeot Grand Cru represents a profound expression of this historic Burgundian appellation. Clos Vougeot, a sprawling Grand Cru vineyard in the Côte de Nuits, is renowned for its complex terroir, encompassing diverse soil compositions from limestone-rich marl at higher elevations to clay-heavy soils lower down. This geological diversity contributes to the multifaceted character of its Pinot Noir.
Under the meticulous direction of Etienne de Montille, the domaine adheres to a philosophy of minimal intervention, allowing the vineyard's inherent qualities to shine. Winemaking typically involves a significant proportion of whole clusters, gentle extraction, and maturation in French oak barrels, with a judicious percentage of new wood to support, rather than dominate, the wine's intrinsic fruit and structure.
The 2016 vintage in Burgundy, while challenging due to early frosts and hail, ultimately yielded wines of remarkable concentration and purity, particularly in the Côte de Nuits. A warm, dry late season ensured optimal ripeness, resulting in wines with excellent aromatic complexity, vibrant acidity, and firm tannic structure, promising significant ageing potential.
This rare 300cl Jeroboam format offers an exceptional opportunity for extended cellaring or grand occasions. Please note, this bottle exhibits minor capsule damage, which is purely cosmetic and does not affect the wine's integrity or quality.
Tasting notes
The 2016 Clos Vougeot Grand Cru from Domaine de Montille presents a deep ruby hue, hinting at its concentration. On the nose, it unfurls a complex bouquet of dark cherry, wild berries, and plum, interwoven with nuanced notes of forest floor, crushed stone, and a delicate spice from its oak maturation. Hints of violet and rose petal emerge with aeration, speaking to the wine's inherent elegance.
The palate is both powerful and refined, showcasing a formidable structure underpinned by firm yet integrated tannins and a vibrant acidity that carries the fruit through a long, persistent finish. Flavours of blackcurrant, kirsch, and earthy truffle are complemented by a subtle minerality and a lingering savoury complexity. This is a wine of considerable depth and poise, destined for extensive evolution in the cellar, revealing further layers of complexity over decades.