Domaine Henri Rebourseau : Clos de Vougeot Grand cru 2012

Tasting characteristics and advice for the Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru 2012 from Domaine Henri Rebourseau

Tasting

Appearance

The wine displays a deep ruby red, enhanced by violet hues that reflect the fine maturity of the grapes at harvest.

Nose

The nose reveals a rich, complex aromatic palette. Intense aromas of black fruits (black cherry, blueberry, blackberry, blackcurrant) intertwine with delicate notes of undergrowth, ferns and truffle. Floral nuances of dried violet complete the bouquet, accompanied by spicy touches of cinnamon, nutmeg and licorice. A pronounced minerality reminiscent of limestone brings tension and finesse to the whole.

Palate

On the palate, the wine is powerful and elegant. The full, dense attack unveils silky tannins that structure the wine without ever dominating. Flavors of black fruits (blackcurrant, blackberry, black cherry) gradually unfold, joined by spicy notes and hints of coffee and cocoa. A discreet yet present acidity brings freshness and vibrancy, perfectly balancing the wine’s power. The finish lingers at length, with persistent notes of black fruit, minerality and spice.

Food and wine pairings

This Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru 2012 pairs beautifully with characterful red meats such as tournedos Rossini or beef filet in pastry crust. It also elevates game birds (pheasant, partridge) and furred game, especially coq au vin or wild boar stew with berries. Aged cheeses from Bourgogne such as Époisses, Comté or goat cheeses make harmonious matches. Truffle-based dishes resonate intimately with the wine’s undergrowth notes.

Serving and cellaring

The Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru 2012 is best enjoyed at a temperature between 14 and 16°C. One hour of aeration in a decanter allows the aromas to fully open up and the tannic structure to soften. This wine can be enjoyed through around 2027, or beyond depending on storage conditions.

A Grand Cru from Bourgogne with a powerful character and crystalline minerality

The estate

Founded in 1919 by General Henri Rebourseau, Domaine Henri Rebourseau is part of a family winemaking history that began in 1782. Located between Gevrey-Chambertin and Vougeot in the Côte de Nuits, this 13.5-hectare estate farms 5.28 hectares of prestigious Grands Crus. Since 2006, the estate has practiced organic viticulture, strengthened by biodynamic methods from 2008. In 2018, the Bouygues family, represented by Martin and Olivier Bouygues, joined the estate as majority shareholders alongside the de Surrel family, the seventh generation at the helm of the property. The estate stands out for its extended aging of ten to fifteen years, allowing the wines to fully express their cellaring potential.

The vineyard

Domaine Henri Rebourseau owns 2.21 hectares within the prestigious Clos de Vougeot, including 1.2 hectares of old vines planted in 1927. This plot lies in the upper part of the Climat, at the junction of the lieux-dits Les Baudes Saint Martin, Le Grand Maupertui, Les Quartiers des Marais Bas and Les Baudes Hautes. The shallow, gravelly soil, rich in stones and resting on Bajocian limestone, provides excellent natural drainage. This geological composition, becoming gradually more clay-rich toward the lower areas, creates an edaphic complexity that contributes to the wine’s balance. The altitude, peaking at around 255 meters, and the east-facing exposure encourage slow, harmonious ripening.

The vintage

The year 2012 in Bourgogne begins with alternating mild and cold spells, with spring marked by morning frosts in April and unfavorable conditions in May causing coulure and millerandage. These climatic challenges reduce the potential crop. Fortunately, August proves fine, warm and dry, allowing the grapes to catch up in their development. Harvest begins in mid-September in perfect health, with no rot or disease. Despite lower volumes, the 2012 vintage offers excellent quality, with structured, perfectly balanced red wines displaying aromas of black fruits, spices and undergrowth, recognized as a very fine year for aging.

Vinification and aging

Harvesting is carried out by hand, with careful selection of bunches and rigorous sorting of berries. Parcel-by-parcel vinification is performed with indigenous yeasts, accompanied by gentle punch-downs, favoring a minimalist approach to preserve the terroir’s natural expression. Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru 2012 is aged in oak barrels for around 18 to 24 months, followed by extended bottle maturation in the estate’s cellars. This long-aging philosophy, a signature of Domaine Henri Rebourseau, allows the wine to develop aromatic complexity and refined tannins.

Grape variety

100% Pinot Noir