Domaine de l'Arlot Nuits-Saint-Georges 1er Cru 'Clos de l'Arlot' Blanc 2021
From 2021, the Clos de l’Arlot Blanc includes fruit from the La Gerbotte parcel, which was previously bottled separately. It was always in Godot’s plans to combine the two parcels when these vines came of age. La Gerbotte is a small plot of vines in the southernmost part of Clos de l’Arlot. Situated behind the main buildings, the vines here border Clos de la Maréchale, where Fred Mugnier has now also planted Chardonnay (Mugnier has been open about the fact that he was inspired to do this by the whites of Clos de l’Arlot). La Gerbotte is a slightly cooler site with a geology different from the other Clos de l’Arlot vineyards, with pink Prémeaux limestone rather than the white limestone of the rest of the clos. Planted between 1992 and 2006, the 0.49 hectares of vines include about 2% Pinot Beurot (Pinot Gris). This plot brings extra freshness to the power and depth of the old-vine parcels on the steep, southeast-facing slopes of the clos. A beautiful, unique white. Producer's note.
“Pale lemon, attractive, this wine is better balanced in that the texture is less thick and offers greater length while the fruit covers the acidity. There is a little barrel toast, though only 20% new wood was employed, and the fruit is more pear than apple. All quite well integrated with decent length. Drink from 2025-2029.” 90-92 points, Jasper Morris MW, Inside Burgundy
“This nose is more direct – riper yellow citrus in play here. Ultra silky, with a very mineral width. Before growing in fine citrus intensity – a wine that creeps up on you – but holds in subtle fashion. Always a cuvée that expresses itself the best after about 10 years but this is already more than drinkable – a beautiful wine today but for the full ‘Arlot effect’ keep your patience. Bravo!” Bill Nanson, Burgundy Report
“The aromas of the white from the Clos de l’Arlot range from bright lemon peel to ripe apricot, and expand on the palate to include a touch of honey. The texture is lively and fresh, but there is a waxy breadth here that gives it richness and length. The grapes come from the centre of the clos from vines planted in thin soils right over limestone at 250 metres. They are pressed as whole clusters and fermented in cask (20% new).”93 points, Charles Curtis MW, Decanter