Clos de Vougeot Vieilles Vignes 2017
Intro: The 2017 Chateau de La Tour is a grand-cru Burgundy from the Clos de Vougeot appellation (Côte de Nuits, Burgundy, France) produced by Château de la Tour. The "Vieilles Vignes" (“old vines”) cuvée draws from extremely old vine plantings; in this case, some over 100 years old; and represents the top expression of the domaine’s holdings in Clos de Vougeot. The 2017 vintage shows both the pedigree of the site and the old-vine complexity. Château de la Tour owns about 5.5 hectares within the 50+ hectares of Clos de Vougeot, making it one of the larger single proprietors in this very fragmented grand-cru. The vines for the Vieilles Vignes cuvée include parcels planted in 1910, and for this category the domaine uses 100% new oak ageing. It is one of the very few producers that vinifies entirely within the walls of the Clos de Vougeot estate.
Region: Burgundy || Winery: Chateau de La Tour
Grapes: 100% Pinot Noir
Aging: Ageing in 100% new French oak barrels for the Vieilles Vignes cuvée for 16-18 months in barrel
ABV: 13.5% || Decant: 1-2 hours || Serving Temp: 15-16°C
Pairing: Venison, wild game, roasted pigeon or duck breast with rich sauces; beef fillet with truffle and mushrooms; mature hard cheeses
Tasting Notes: The 2017 Clos de Vougeot Vieilles Vignes reveals aromas of ripe red cherries, plums, forest floor, truffle, wild herbs, and subtle oak spice. Medium to full-bodied, it offers concentrated fruit, fine yet firm tannins, and balanced acidity, with well-integrated oak. The whole-cluster fermentation lends notes of menthol and garrigue, while the old vines add finesse, depth, and freshness. Long and layered on the finish, it shows refined spice, dark fruit, and a distinct mineral expression of the Clos de Vougeot terroir
Rating (Complexity & Vintage Year): 94 AA
