Domaine de l'Arlot Nuits-Saint-Georges Rouge "Clos des Forets" 1er Cru 2022
(Burgundy, France) - [VM 94-96] [JM 92-93]

About the Domaine:
Jean-Pierre de Smet defined the winemaking style at Domaine de L’Arlot with his philosophy that “the more one knows, the less one interferes.” In 2002, he brought biodynamic farming to the domaine and even cured the wood that would eventually be made into the estate’s barrels. Jean-Pierre retired in 2007 turning over the estate to Olivier Leriche, who followed the same philosophy and believed that every decision has to “respect the soil, respect the plants, and ensure that both are in harmony with the environment.”

About this Wine:
'Clos des Forêts' is a single estate vineyard, known as 'monopole' in French, is home to vines of approximately 45 years old. This unique terroir covers 7.2 hectares, and is composed of multi-layered soils with clay, limestone and gravel.

With its well-defined character, this wine perfectly illustrates the identity of the Nuits Saint Georges vineyard. Complex aromas of blackcurrant mingled with spicy blackberry are revealed on the nose with, depending on the vintage, darker notes of liquorice, leather and blood orange. The well-built mouth affirms itself with density and strength around a tight structure with rich, well-wrapped tannins. It becomes increasingly seductive over time, which comes from the elegance, intensity and purity of the fruit.

The Terroir
In Burgundy the monopoly (single estate vineyard) defines a unit of land, a terroir which has been perfectly defined for centuries and which is owned by a single proprietor. The Clos des Forêts Saint Georges covers a surface of 7.2 hectares, all in one piece. It is a unique terroir in a privileged location which right from its origin has made one of the greatest Nuits Saint Georges wines.

The grapes are hand picked, twice sorted (once on the vine, then at the crush pad after being picked). All transfers are made via gravity flow. By avoiding the use of pumps, the integrity of the grapes are better preserved. Domaine de l'Arlot takes a very hands off approach to winemaking.

This wine is aged in roughly 45% New French Oak for 16 to 18 months.

A wine for ageing: the generous terroir of the Clos des Forêts Saint Georges forms the soul of the wine. It builds a solid red around well-present tannins which define a wine for ageing. A few years in the cellar will allow the wine to express itself more fully and make it more graceful, silkier and more complete.

Tasting Notes:

The colour is deep and the nose reveals aromas of ripe fruit. The complex bouquet carries through to the palate: a delightful blend of spices, flowers and fruit. The tannins are silky, delicate and precise with an elegant and refreshing length on the finish.
-Géraldine Godot, Technical Director (April 2023)

Ratings & Reviews

94-96 Points - Vinous Media:
“The 2022 Nuits Saint-Georges Clos des Forêts Saint Georges 1er Cru was also raised in 40% new oak. [Incidentally, 0.6ha will be planted with Chardonnay in 2024]. Slightly deeper in color compared to the Clos de l'Arlot, this has slightly more cohesion and complexity on the nose: dark cherries and crushed stone, a hint of wilted rose petals in the background. The palate is medium-bodied with beautifully integrated new oak, lending this a velvety veneer. It is a little plush yet with equivalent tension and a detailed, slightly piquant finish. This is an outstanding Nuits Saint-Georges from the Domaine.” – Neal Martin (Jan 2024)

92-93 Points - Jasper Morris' Inside Burgundy:
"A fuller purple than either Arlot cuvée, which is as normal. The bouquet holds the promise of clean fruit at optimum ripeness, but does not deliver detail at this point. Plenty of energy here, some slightly firmer tannins, correct acidity, and then the more perfumed red berry fruit, slightly more raspberry here, returns at the back. Drink from 2030-2037.“ (Oct 2023)