Domaine de l'Arlot Nuits-Saint-Georges 1er Cru 'Clos de l'Arlot' 2021
Clos de l’Arlot is the Premier Cru monopole at the heart of this domaine. It’s where the domaine’s buildings and winery are situated, with the vines straddling the steepest and narrowest part of the Côte d’Or. These vines produce a far more delicate, ethereal wine than Clos des Forêts, its sister vineyard just down the road. Only 0.87 hectares of the oldest Pinot vines planted in Clos de l’Arlot are used for this Grand Vin. Most of these vines were planted between 1939 and 1951 on the steep, concave (amphitheatre) part of the slope historically known as Cadastre no. 15. Although Clos de l’Arlot is labelled Nuits-Saint-Georges, the place doesn’t look like a typical Nuits at all, and the personality of the wine is much more ‘Chambolle’ in style. This reflects the Prémeaux terroir (which is as good for white wines as for reds). See notes below. ‘Bravo’ indeed.
“A pale crimson colour. A light and elegant nose, a pure pinot fruit in the old style. Arlot never has much colour nor immediate intensity, this is a wine which needs time in bottle. There is indeed more density on the palate, with slightly darker forest fruits alongside the fresh red berries, and a fine persistence. Drink from 2026-2031.” 91-93 points, Jasper Morris MW, Inside Burgundy
“The vines now average over 70 years – marl is a characteristic of the clos. Redder and more floral – that’s a beautifully perfumed invitation. Gorgeous, fluid, melting, cool fruit. Just a beautiful, exquisite thing. Only the finish has the faintest of dryer tannin (invisible grained) that suggests waiting – and I could happily ignore that – bravo!” Bill Nanson, Burgundy Report