Domaine de l'Arlot Nuits-Saint-Georges 1er Cru 'Clos des Forets Saint Georges' 2021

The second of the two great monopole vineyards at the core of this domaine, L’Arlot’s Clos des Forêts Saint Georges is 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 slope, 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. Regular buyers will recall that some of the youngest vines were previously harvested for the now-defunct Petits Plets cuvée. These vines are over 30 years old and have come of age, earning the right to form a part of this cuvée. This is the most intense red in the l’Arlot stable; however, the 2021 is a remarkably fine example: silky textured and packed with red fruits and fine tannins. A super, super wine which will drink well young and old. Producer Note

“There is a lovely depth of color here, and the perfume is enticing with its boysenberry fruit and chalky minerality. The palate has a lovely depth of ripeness, precise and fine tannins and elegant, refreshing length. This is one of the prettiest Clos des Fôrets St-Georges I have ever tasted.” 94 points, Christine Canterbury MW, Tim Atkin MW Burgundy Special Report

“Dense red to crimson. The bouquet is a little more closed than Les Suchots, but with a suggestion of a fair intensity of fruit to follow. Prettily floral, cherry and raspberry too, this is rather stylish, still with a little biscuit note from the barrel, like many of these wines in their youth. Without being in the style of the blockbuster vintages, there is still good energy here for the future. Drink from 2027-2033”. 91-94 points, Jasper Morris MW, Inside Burgundy

“More colour vs the Suchots. Hmm – yes – deeper, a little more lithe muscle to these aromas. Super silky again, perhaps as the tannin becomes visible, more velour textured. Extra intensity and complexity in this finish – more power and certainly a wine that you can keep – great wine for the medium-plus term.” Bill Nanson, Burgundy Report