Domaine Henri Boillot : Clos Vougeot Grand cru 2021

Characteristics and tasting advice for the Clos Vougeot Grand Cru 2021 from Domaine Henri Boillot

Tasting

Color

The color displays a deep red hue with purple highlights, shimmering and intense.

Nose

The nose reveals a complex bouquet dominated by aromas of black fruits and ripe cherries. Spicy notes mingle with hints of toasted vanilla from barrel aging. Floral nuances of violet and rose gradually emerge, alongside subtle impressions of licorice and mint.

Palate

On the palate, the wine offers a medium- to full-bodied structure with an elegant concentration of red and black fruit. The tannins are fine and delicately integrated, creating a refined texture. Balanced acidity brings freshness and precision to the whole. The finish lingers with returning notes of spice and oak.

Food and wine pairings

This Clos Vougeot pairs beautifully with robust red meats such as roast beef or grilled rib steak. It also goes wonderfully with game, such as roast duck, pheasant, or venison. Mushroom-based dishes, especially with truffles or porcini, will enhance the wine’s earthy notes. Aged hard cheeses such as Comté also make for a harmonious match.

Serving and cellaring

The Clos Vougeot Grand Cru 2021 is best enjoyed at a temperature between 15 and 18°C. Aerating for 1 to 2 hours before serving will allow the wine to fully reveal its aromatic complexity. This wine has excellent cellaring potential and can evolve favorably for around 15 to 20 years under proper storage conditions.

A Burgundy Grand Cru combining finesse and structure

The estate

The Domaine Henri Boillot traces its origins back to 1885 with the creation of Domaine Jean Boillot. Based in Meursault in the Côte de Beaune, the estate now represents five generations of winemaking expertise. In 2005, Henri Boillot unified all production under his name after acquiring the family shares. The estate farms around 15 to 19 hectares of vineyards across Burgundy’s most prestigious appellations, including plots in Puligny-Montrachet, Meursault, Volnay, Pommard, and several Grands Crus. Henri Boillot currently runs the property, perpetuating a philosophy rooted in respect for the terroir and sustainable viticultural practices.

The vineyard

The Clos Vougeot is one of the most emblematic Grands Crus of the Côte de Nuits in Burgundy. This prestigious appellation benefits from an exceptional terroir, allowing Pinot Noir to express all its nobility. The estate manages its vines with a sustainable, reasoned approach, favoring regular plowing and intentionally limited yields of around 40 hectoliters per hectare. Harvesting is carried out by hand and as late as possible to optimize the grapes’ phenolic ripeness.

The vintage

The 2021 vintage will be remembered in Burgundy’s history for early frosts during the first half of April, which significantly reduced yields. Paradoxically, this climatic challenge allowed the grapes that survived to reach exceptional concentration. Summer conditions then favored optimal ripening, making it possible to produce wines of very high quality despite extremely limited volumes.

Vinification and aging

The Clos Vougeot Grand Cru 2021 is vinified using a non-interventionist approach. After meticulous sorting, vinification begins with destemming followed by cooling to 8°C for 12 days. Total vatting lasts four weeks, with moderate punch-downs. Aging takes place in 228-liter barrels, combining new oak and one-year-old barrels, for 18 months. The wine is neither fined nor filtered, preserving its authenticity and complexity.

Grape variety

100% Pinot Noir