DOMAINE DE LA VOUGERAIE Vougeot 1er Cru 'Le Clos Blanc de Vougeot' Monopole 2022 Bottle ORG/BIO

Description

The 2022 Le Clos Blanc has received outstanding acclaim, with Jasper Morris MW awarding it 94-96 points and describing it as “incontournable,” meaning peerless. This wine showcases a fresh mid-lemon yellow colour and an expressive bouquet of ripe apple, with oak support that is perfectly integrated. The well-balanced acidity brings the fruit to life, resulting in an impeccable finish, making it best enjoyed from 2028 to 2037. Decanter awarded it 95 points for its seductive waxy density and lush aromas of ripe apricots, herbs, and hawthorn flowers. The grapes come from a domaine monopole in Vougeot, where biodynamically grown Chardonnay is pressed as whole clusters, fermented in tanks, and matured in cask. Vinous rated it 89-91 points, highlighting its attractive aromas and balanced palate.

*****

Domaine de la Vougeraie, located in Prémeaux, just south of Nuits-Saint-Georges, was established in 1999 by Jean-Claude Boisset of the Boisset group. The creation of the winery involved consolidating vineyard holdings from various negociant companies that Boisset had acquired over the years. The name "Vougeraie" reflects the significant vineyards and the family home situated in the village of Vougeot, while the production facilities are housed in the historic cellars once belonging to Claudine Deschamps, Jean-Claude Boisset's wife.

The domaine is committed to high-quality production, using biodynamic farming practices in its premier and grand cru vineyards to ensure the health of the vines and terroir. With carefully limited yields, Domaine de la Vougeraie produces elegant and expressive wines that reflect the unique characteristics of Burgundy, showcasing its dedication to craftsmanship and sustainability in winemaking. The estate's focus on biodynamic principles positions it as a forward-thinking producer in the region, earning acclaim among wine enthusiasts and collectors.

The Clos Blanc, a mythical, mystical vineyard, is adjacent to the Château du Clos de Vougeot. This golden triangle, surrounded on all sides by great reds, first offered its pure, golden sacrament to its spiritual fathers, the first monks of Cîteaux, in 1110. Known as “The White Vineyard”, it is like a diamond set in the centre of rubies. Famously, vines for white wine have been planted here since 1110, adjoining the northern wall of Clos Vougeot. The monks clearly knew what they were doing. Arguably, this is the finest white wine of the Côte de Nuits. This has a lot of power in 2022; not enough to submerge the minerality but with a broader dimension this year. This will need a little while. Clos Blanc de Vougeot has been aged for 16 months in oak barrels (24% new, medium toast) and 2 months in stainless steel tank. Stirring of the lees: twice a month during the fruit days and rising moon until December. Not racked.

JASPER MORRIS MW
94-96 points
Incontournable,” says Sylvie, which translates to something like ‘peerless’ in English—a fresh mid-lemon yellow. The bouquet immediately speaks for itself, and in a great style, this seems particularly successful this year. Everything is in place. The fruit is a broadly based white ripe apple, the oak supports it impeccably without intruding, the acidity is extremely well integrated and brings the fruit out dancing at the finish, and the length is impeccable. Drink 2028 - 2037.

DECANTER 95 points
Tasted by: Charles Curtis MW
(at BIVB, 30 May 2023)
Drinking Window: 2025 - 2040
The 2022 Le Clos Blanc has a seductive waxy density and a lush aroma of ripe apricots, herbs, and hawthorn flowers. The texture is warm and rich, but not heavy. The grapes are from the domaine monopole for whites in Vougeot that is just over three hectares; most of it is planted to Chardonnay, but there are bits of Binot Beurot and Pinot Blanc. The biodynamically-grown grapes are pressed as whole clusters, fermented in tank, and finished in cask (one-quarter new).

VINOUS (89-91) points
Drinking Window 2024 - 2032
From: Now, For My Latest Trick: Burgundy 2022 (Jan 2024)
The 2022 Vougeot Blanc de Vougeot Le Clos 1er Cru has an attractive bouquet with yellow plum and light jasmine scents unfolding in the glass, certainly with more vigor than the previous vintage. The palate is well-balanced with a rich opening. Very pithy and almost Rhône-like in style, growing peppery towards the finish. I'm not sure about the longevity, but it could be pleasurable in its youth. - By Neal Martin on November 2023