Domaine de L’Arlot Nuits-Saint-Georges 1er Cru Mont Oiseaux 2021

Domaine de L'Arlot is a respected organic estate in Nuits-Saint-Georges, and this Premier Cru comes from the younger vines of its Mont des Oiseaux holding on the Cote d'Or. The fruit grows on the upper part of the slope, where the soils are white limestone with little topsoil. Limestone drains freely, reflects light and warmth back onto the vines, and gives Burgundian Pinot Noir its firm acidity and fine, chalky mineral line. This is pure Pinot Noir, made in limited quantity. Fermentation is followed by twelve months in French oak, a proportion of it new, where measured oxygen exchange through the wood softens tannins and adds gentle spice without masking the fruit. The wine is a bright, clear ruby. The nose is fragrant, with red cherry and wild strawberry over rose, a touch of earth and light oak spice. On the palate it is medium bodied and precise, with silky tannin, bright acidity and a mineral, savoury finish that reflects the limestone. Serve at 15 to 17C in a large glass, decanting briefly if young. Good with roast duck, game birds and mushroom dishes.