Thibault Liger-Belair : Clos Vougeot Grand cru 2021

Tasting characteristics and advice for the Clos Vougeot 2021 from Thibault Liger-Belair

Tasting

Appearance

The wine displays a deep ruby-red hue with violet highlights visible at the rim of the glass.

Nose

The nose reveals remarkable aromatic complexity, with aromas of black cherry and morello cherry accompanied by ripe raspberries. With aeration, tertiary notes of truffle emerge, supported by mineral nuances and hints of brown spices reminiscent of nutmeg and cinnamon.

Palate

The attack is gentle and silky, followed by a velvety texture carried by fine, perfectly integrated tannins. The palate expresses intense red and black fruit flavors, enhanced by earthy and mineral notes. The long, persistent finish lingers with saline mineral impressions characteristic of the limestone terroir.

Food and wine pairings

This wine pairs harmoniously with refined red meats such as smoked duck fillet over juniper wood. It also elegantly complements truffle- or mushroom-based dishes, such as truffled risotto. Roasted poultry, feathered game, and aged hard cheeses such as Comté also make excellent pairings.

Serving and cellaring

It is recommended to serve the Clos Vougeot 2021 between 16 and 18°C. Decanting for about an hour before serving will allow the wine to fully express its aromatic complexity. This wine should not be approached before around 2028. The optimal drinking window will extend from around 2031 to 2040, with cellaring potential reaching approximately 2044-2050 under ideal storage conditions.

A powerful yet refined Burgundy grand cru

The estate

The Domaine Thibault Liger-Belair was established in 2001 when Thibault Liger-Belair took over the family vineyards located in Nuits-Saint-Georges, in Côte-d'Or. Heir to a winemaking lineage dating back to 1720 with Claude Marey, Thibault perpetuates ancestral know-how while embracing a decidedly modern approach. The estate spans around fourteen hectares across several prestigious Côte-d'Or appellations, including Grand Cru parcels such as Richebourg and Clos de Vougeot. Trained in viticulture and oenology, Thibault Liger-Belair now runs the estate with a philosophy centered on listening to the terroir and minimal intervention. The domaine stands out for its contemporary facilities powered by geothermal and solar energy, reflecting a strong environmental commitment.

The vineyard

The Clos Vougeot is one of the largest and most prestigious Grands Crus of the Côte-de-Nuits, spanning around fifty hectares. The Domaine Thibault Liger-Belair parcel covers seventy-five ares, located in the southern part of Clos Vougeot, near the boundary with Échezeaux. This parcel shows remarkable soil diversity with three distinct soil types spread from north to south: limestone and stony soils in the north, clay-limestone with the presence of chailles in the center, and deeper clays in the south. This unique configuration makes it possible to express the full aromatic palette of Clos Vougeot in a single cuvée.

The vintage

The 2021 vintage in Burgundy proved particularly demanding for winegrowers. A late frost in April caused significant damage to young shoots, considerably reducing yields. Flowering took place under favorable conditions during May. Veraison benefited from sunny weather in mid-August, encouraging healthy ripening. Harvesting was carried out in September under conditions that allowed for rigorous grape selection. Despite the climatic challenges, the reduced volumes concentrated aromas and phenolic compounds, producing wines of remarkable intensity.

Winemaking and aging

The 2021 Clos Vougeot harvest was carried out by hand, with a rigorous selection of bunches at optimal ripeness. Meticulous sorting in three stages was performed to retain only the healthiest berries. Vinification included around 40% whole-cluster grapes, with the remainder destemmed. Fermentation took place over a period of about three weeks, with gentle extractions favoring finesse rather than tannic power. Aging was conducted in French oak barrels with a maximum of 50% new oak, allowing the wood to integrate harmoniously without masking the expression of the fruit and terroir. The aging period lasted several months before blending and bottling.

Grape variety

100% Pinot Noir