Domaine de l'Arlot Nuits Saint Georges 1er Cru 'Clos des Forets' 2020
The second of two great monopole vineyards at the core of this domaine, this is also one of the great terroirs of Nuits, made evident by its position so close to Les Saint-Georges (its name 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. Some 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, forming a part of this cuvée.
This is the deepest, most intense red in the l’Arlot stable and perfectly highlights this terroir’s dark-fruited, inky power. The 2020 is stunning; arguably the greatest example from this vineyard we have shipped. It was fermented with 43% whole bunches and aged with 45% new oak, but the wine has soaked it up, offering waves of forest fruits and loads of spice. There are also fine, powdery tannins and a super long, mineral close. If we didn’t know better, we might have thought we were in Vosne!
“The 2020 Nuits Saint-Georges Clos des Forêts Saint Georges 1er Cru is very elegant on the nose with brambly red berry fruit, touches of damp loamy soil and just a very slight ferrous aroma. The palate is medium-bodied with ne tannins, very focused and pure with just the right amount of acidity. Very harmonious, this is a gorgeous Clos des Forêts that should give 15-20 years of drinking pleasure (at least).”93-95 points, Neal Martin, Vinous
“Freshness and additional aromatic relief in Clos des Forêts, whose energetic and finely coated material is carried away by a dizzying final breath with a limestone shine. Rich in its tannins, deep, racy and integrated, it is a great wine for laying down, already accessible.”96 points,La Revue du Vins de France