Domaine de l'Arlot Nuits-St.-Georges 'Clos Arlot' Blanc 1er Cru
The heart of this Burgundian superstar property was formed in the 18th century, with the rise of the wall demarcating the original limits of the estate, as well as the surrounding vineyard, the “Clos de l’Arlot.” Today, under the careful eye of Technical Director Géraldine Godot, the house remains small but continues rising in esteem, biodynamically farming 14 hectares of grapes, including two other monopole (solely owned) vineyards: “Clos des Forêts St-Georges,” and “Clos du Chapeau.” Just 5% of the plantings are dedicated to white grapes.
For this sought-after bottling, the 50+-year-old Chardonnay vines thrive in the rocky and steep-pitched Premier Cru Clos de l’Arlot site, producing fruit of exceptional depth and complexity. The 2021 vintage was full of challenges in the vineyard, yet in the end the fruit that was harvested was pristine and excellently balanced. This is a true throwback vintage, after many hot, dry years, 2021 produced wines with classic balance and structure, the kind of perfect Chardonnay year that we haven’t seen since 2014. A slow, cool fermentation developed the fruit before a year of maturing in oak barriques (20% new). Before bottling, the wine further knits together in stainless vats, retaining freshness and bringing length. True to the house style, these are impeccably detailed, luxurious expressions of Burgundian Chardonnay (and Pinot Noir.) This is an elite bottle designed for long cellar aging, showing the density of the vintage, underpinned with chiseled minerality and a filigreed, focused finish. Fresh, floral and citrusy on the nose, the palate delivers endless layers of citrus, stone fruit, ginger and nutty oak with firm, integrated acidity and rocky notes.
