Maxime Cheurlin Noellat Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru 2021

Maxime Cheurlin Noëllat farms vines within Clos de Vougeot, the large walled Grand Cru in the heart of the Côte de Nuits in Burgundy. The clos covers a gentle slope of limestone and clay marl, soils that vary from the better drained upper sections to the heavier base, and the Pinot Noir reflects this in its mix of bright fruit and earthy weight. The continental climate brings warm days and cool nights, a diurnal swing that preserves the acidity and aromatic lift that define fine red Burgundy. Yields are kept low to concentrate the fruit. The wine ages eighteen months in barrel, a portion new, where slow oxygen exchange through the oak softens the tannins, fixes colour and adds subtle spice and toast that frame rather than cover the Pinot. The colour is medium ruby. The nose moves from red cherry and raspberry to rose, forest floor and a wild mushroom earthiness. The palate is silky and layered, with fine tannins, fresh acidity and a long mineral finish. Serve at sixteen degrees from a wide glass, decanting briefly. It suits roast game birds, duck and earthy mushroom dishes.