Jacques Prieur Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru

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nimaginable and unthinkable" A period of excessive heat at the end of March 2021 resulted in an early bud break, but the unthinkable was confirmed during the nights of 6 to 8 April with the return of winter in force (temperatures of -7°C / -8°C and snowfall). The frost damage to the buds was unmistakable and the losses observed were very significant. With a cool and sunny spring, the vines had a lot of difficulties in coming back to life. The sudden return of heat in June caused flowering to be too quick, which led to heavy couluring / flower abortion and a further loss of harvest. July saw significant rainfall and disease pressure was relentless. So work in the vineyards had to be managed with great precision. August was rather dry with cool nights, and veraison was difficult to start. A strong heterogeneity of maturity was noted between the vines that were heavily frosted and those less affected by the frost. Regular ripeness checks are compulsory to determine the right date for harvesting. Harvesting began on 22 September. GRAPE VARIETY & PLOT SIZE Grape variety : 100% Pinot Noir on a 1.28 hectare plot TERROIR This 50-hectare clos (walled vineyard) was created by the Monks of Cîteaux. Their cellar was located in the Château du Clos Vougeot, which is now the headquarters of the Confrérie des Chevaliers du Tastevin. The soil his a large clay content, which accounts to the powerful, well-structured wines that have a rustic side when very young. VINIFICATION & AGEING The grapes were handpicked into small crates, then sorted and totally destemmed. The wine stayed on the skins for 20 days in temperature-controlled open oak vats. Pigeage (punching down the cap) was done twice a day during alcoholic fermentation. 100% malolactic fermentation The wine was aged entirely in oak barrels. Duration of barrel ageing : 20 months TASTING NOTES Tasted in June 2023 COLOUR : Ruby red with purple highlights. NOSE : Slight floral notes (rose petals) with hints of berries and spices. PALATE : Tasty, crispy, fresh fruitiness and spicy notes (nutmeg, pepper). Nice thickness on the finish. Fine and palatable tannins.