Joseph Drouhin Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru 2012

Joseph Drouhin was founded in 1880 in Beaune, Burgundy, by Joseph Drouhin. The estate remains family-owned and is currently managed by the fourth generation of the Drouhin family. Joseph Drouhin owns and leases vineyards across some of the most prestigious appellations in Burgundy, including Côte de Beaune, Côte de Nuits, Chablis, and Beaujolais. Their extensive vineyard holdings allow them to produce a wide range of wines, from village-level to Grand Cru. Some of Joseph Drouhin's most iconic wines include their Clos des Mouches Premier Cru from Beaune, their Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru from the Côte de Nuits, and their Montrachet Grand Cru from the Côte de Beaune. These wines consistently receive high praise from critics and wine enthusiasts for their elegance, complexity, and aging potential. 

Limestone is a dominant soil type in many of Joseph Drouhin's vineyards, particularly in the Côte de Beaune. Limestone-rich soils are prized for their ability to impart minerality and finesse to the wines. These soils often contain high levels of calcium carbonate, which can vary in texture from compacted limestone to crumbly marl. Clay soils are prevalent in both the Côte de Beaune and the Côte de Nuits, providing structure and richness to the wines. Clay soils have excellent water retention properties, ensuring vines have access to moisture during dry periods. The presence of clay can contribute to the development of powerful, full-bodied wines with velvety tannins. Marl is a mixture of clay and limestone and is commonly found in Burgundy's vineyards. Marl soils offer a balance between drainage and water retention, promoting vine health and grape ripening. Wines produced from grapes grown in marl soils often exhibit a harmonious balance of fruitiness, acidity, and minerality. Some of Joseph Drouhin's vineyards may even contain pockets of gravel and sand, particularly in lower-lying areas. The diverse soil composition of Joseph Drouhin vineyards plays a crucial role in shaping the quality and character of their wines, reflecting the richness and complexity of Burgundy's terroir.

The primary grape variety used in this wine is Pinot Noir. Pinot Noir is the signature red grape of Burgundy and is renowned for its ability to reflect the terroir of the region. In Chambolle-Musigny, Pinot Noir thrives in the limestone-rich soils with varying degrees of clay and marl, contributing to the wine's complexity and character. Chambolle-Musigny Premier Cru exhibits delicate and perfumed aromas of red fruits such as strawberries, raspberries, and cherries. There may also be floral notes of violet and rose, along with subtle earthy undertones. On the palate, Chambolle-Musigny Premier Cru wines are known for their elegance and finesse. They typically offer a combination of ripe fruit flavors, vibrant acidity, and silky tannins. Flavors of red berries are complemented by hints of spice, forest floor, and a subtle minerality. These wines are additionally characterized by their balanced structure and seamless integration of fruit, acidity, and tannins. They often have a medium-bodied texture with a supple mouthfeel and a long, graceful finish.

"A revelation and a true wonder! The ruby red colour is magnificent and takes on a deeper hue with age. The aromas are intense and evoke raspberry and wild cherry, becoming more complex with age: undergrowth, truffle, candied fruit. A sublime structure, with refined tannins. It is a perfect example of this ideal of elegance according to Drouhin. A remarkable balance and a lingering persistence of flavors on the palate. It is a wine that always leaves the greatest impression." - Véronique Boss-Drouhin

"The 2012 Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru comes from Drouhin’s two parcels, one occupying a better location than the other. It has a fine, well-defined bouquet, quite pointed at first with citrus peel infusing the red berry fruit. The palate is medium-bodied with a soft, supple opening. There is a sense of lushness here, imbued with fine acidity and there is a crescendo toward the wild strawberry-driven, creamy finish. Very fine." - Neal Martin, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate (12/29/2013, Issue 210), Ratings: 91-93