Which exceptional Premiers crus from the Côte d’Or rival the Grands crus? Part 2
2th Part: Exceptional Premier Crus of Vosne Romanée and Nuits Saint Georges, Côte de Nuits, Burgundy reds
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Vosne Romanée 11st cru Aux Malconsorts, Burgundy, Red
Description of the appellation: Aux Malconsorts is one of the most renowned Premier Cru climates of the Vosne-Romanée appellation in Burgundy. The wines produced from Pinot Noir in this vineyard are often considered equivalent to those of a Grand Cru, with spicy and floral aromas, and soft tannins. Located at the southern corner of the Vosne-Romanée vineyard belt, near the municipal border with Nuits-Saint-Georges, Aux Malconsorts is the neighbor of the prestigious Grand Cru La Tâche.
Geological profile: The terroir of Aux Malconsorts is similar to that of the neighboring La Tâche. Located on the gentle slope of the Côte d’Or, it benefits from a favorable southeast exposure, providing sunlight all day long. The soils of the upper part of the vineyard consist of stony clay over a base of hard limestone, while lower down, the soil becomes slightly deeper and richer. These limestone soils, low in nutrients and well-drained, stress the vines just enough to produce highly concentrated berries.
Qualities of the appellation: The wines are elegant and vibrant, with a rich aromatic complexity and good acidity. They combine power and finesse, offering aromas of flowers and spices. Although Aux Malconsorts does not hold Grand Cru status, it is often considered its equal. The reasons for this lack of classification include the initial refusal of the owners and a quality slightly below current criteria. Nevertheless, Aux Malconsorts remains one of the best Premier Crus in the region.
The most prestigious estates of this appellation:
- Domaine Dujac
- Domaine Fourrier (Jean-Marie Fourrier)
- Domaine Nicolas Lamarche
- Domaine de Montille
- Domaine Sylvain Cathiard
- Domaine Alain Hudelot-Noellat
WINES STILL AVAILABLE FOR SALE AT HAPIWINE SHOP:
Domaine Nicole Lamarche Vosne Romanée 1er cru les Malconsorts
🍷 Buy the 2016 vintage --> https://hapiwine.shop/products/domaine-francois-lamarche-vosne-romanee-1er-cru-les-malconsorts-cote-de-nuits-red-burgundy-france-2016?_pos=2&_sid=97ce5ae37&_ss=r
🍷 Buy the 2017 vintage --> https://hapiwine.shop/products/nicole-lamarche-vosne-romanee-1er-cru-les-malconsorts-red-burgundy-2017?_pos=1&_sid=97ce5ae37&_ss=r
🍷 Buy the 2019 vintage --> https://hapiwine.shop/products/nicole-lamarche-vosne-romanee-1er-cru-les-malconsorts-red-burgundy-2019?_pos=3&_sid=97ce5ae37&_ss=r
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Vosne Romanée 11st cru Les Suchots, Burgundy, Red
Description of the appellation: Les Suchots is the largest Premier Cru climate of the Vosne-Romanée appellation, located between the Grands Crus Échezeaux and Romanée-Saint-Vivant. This 13-hectare vineyard is entirely planted with Pinot Noir and is known for producing exceptional wines. Les Suchots is often considered a potential candidate for Grand Cru status.
Geological profile: The vineyard is located on a gentle slope facing east, with clay-limestone soils providing excellent drainage. Les Suchots is situated in a slight depression between its prestigious neighbors, which may explain why it was not classified as Grand Cru in 1936. However, the terroir is very similar to that of Échezeaux, with favorable sun exposure and well-drained soils.
Qualities of the appellation: The wines of Vosne-Romanée Les Suchots are renowned for their elegance and complexity. They exhibit aromas of red fruits, spices, and flowers, with a well-balanced tannic structure. Les Suchots produces wines that often rival those of the neighboring Grands Crus, offering superior quality among the Premiers Crus of the region.
The most prestigious estates of this appellation:
- Domaine Jean Grivot
- Domaine Gérard Mugneret
- Domaine Nicole Lamarche
- Domaine Sylvain Cathiard
- Domaine Arnoux Lachaux
- Domaine Prieuré Roch
- Domaine de l’Arlot
- Domaine Alain Hudelot-Noellat
WINES STILL AVAILABLE FOR SALE AT HAPIWINE SHOP:
Domaine Nicole Lamarche Vosne Romanée 1er cru Les Suchots
🍷 Buy the 2021 vintage --> https://hapiwine.shop/products/nicole-lamarche-les-suchots-vosne-romanee-1er-cru-2021-red-burgundy-75cl?_pos=1&_sid=8ae73b614&_ss=r
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Vosne Romanée 11st cru Aux Brulées, Burgundy, Red
Description of the appellation: Aux Brûlées, sometimes called “Les Brûlées,” is a Premier Cru climat located in the Vosne-Romanée appellation, within the Côte de Nuits sub-region of Burgundy. This vineyard is ideal for the Pinot Noir grape and is known for producing relatively full-bodied, concentrated, and spicy wines.
Geological profile: The vineyard is located at the northeastern tip of the commune of Vosne-Romanée, just north of the famous Grand Cru site of Richebourg. It is situated on either side of the D109 road, at the exit of the Combe Brûlée, a valley that cuts through the slope of the Côte d’Or. The soils are thin and the site can be very dry, with little arable land. During the harvest period, the vines can take on a dried and burned appearance, hence the name “brûlée.”
Qualities of the appellation: The wines of Aux Brûlées are known for their richness and concentration, with spicy characteristics. The southeast exposure of the slopes ensures sunlight all day, tempered by cool west winds that slow down the development of the grapes, allowing for a good balance between ripeness and acidity. Despite sometimes dry conditions, the wines manage to maintain their balance and acidity, contributing to their excellent reputation.
The most prestigious estates of this appellation:
- Domaine Perrot Minot
- Domaine Grivot
- Domaine Leroy
- Domaine Gérard Mugneret
- Domaine Meo-Camuzet
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Vosne-Romanee 11st cru Aux Raignots, Burgundy, Red
Description of the appellation: Aux Raignots is a Premier Cru vineyard located in Vosne-Romanée, above the famous La Romanée and Romanée-Conti. This vineyard produces full-bodied and well-structured Pinot Noir wines.
Geological profile: This vineyard of 1.6 hectares, rising to 315 meters, benefits from a cool mesoclimate and fine soils, giving the wines a certain rusticity. The thin soils cover a layer of hard limestone, forcing the vines to dive deep to access water and nutrients.
Qualities of the appellation: The wines of Aux Raignots are rich and complex, with aromas of red fruits, smoke, and spices. The altitude and eastern exposure ensure good ripening of the grapes while maintaining balanced acidity. This cru is distinguished by its minerality and exceptional aging potential.
The most prestigious estates of this appellation:
- Domaine Grivot
- Domaine Bruno Clair
- Domaine du Comte Liger Belair
- Domaine Arnoux Lachaux
- Domaine Sylvain Cathiard
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Vosne-Romanée 11st cru Cros Parantoux, Burgundy, Red
Description of the appellation: Cros Parantoux is a highly respected Premier Cru climate in Vosne-Romanée, often considered worthy of Grand Cru status. Located on the slopes above the famous Richebourg, this vineyard produces rich, full-bodied Pinot Noir wines that are suitable for aging.
Geological profile: This 1-hectare (2.5 acres) vineyard is characterized by thin soils composed of gravelly clay over a bed of hard limestone. Henri Jayer, the famous winemaker from Vosne-Romanée, used dynamite to loosen these rocky soils during the replanting of the vineyard. The high altitude and eastern exposure allow for good ripening of the grapes while maintaining balanced acidity thanks to the cool winds from the valley.
Qualities of the appellation: The wines of Cros Parantoux are renowned for their richness and structure, with complex aromas of red fruits, smoke, and spices. The marked minerality and exceptional aging potential distinguish these wines, making them highly sought after by collectors. This cru is recognized not only in Vosne-Romanée but throughout the Côte de Nuits, alongside prestigious vineyards like Clos Saint-Jacques in Gevrey-Chambertin and Les Amoureuses in Chambolle-Musigny.
The most prestigious estates of this appellation:
- Domaine Emmanuel Rouget
- Domaine Meo-Camuzet
- Domaine Henri Jayer
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Nuits-Saint-Georges 11st cru Les Saint Georges, Burgundy, Red
Description of the appellation: Les Saint Georges is one of the most renowned Premier Cru climates of Nuits-Saint-Georges, often considered worthy of Grand Cru status. This 7.5-hectare vineyard, planted exclusively with Pinot Noir, is situated between the villages of Premeaux-Prissey and Nuits-Saint-Georges. The name of the village was changed in the 19th century to include “Saint-Georges” due to the reputation of this wine.
Geological profile: The terroir of Saint Georges is composed of several types of limestone, offering a complex and varied soil. The black and deep earth, rich in stones, ensures good drainage and adequate hydration. The vineyard is located on a gentle slope facing southeast, benefiting from optimal sunlight throughout the day, which promotes the complete ripening of the grapes.
Qualities of the appellation: Les Saint Georges are powerful and refined, with complex aromas of red fruits, smoke, and spices. They take time to reveal themselves but age gracefully, reaching a quality comparable to that of the Grands Crus of the Côte de Nuits. The wine community of Nuits-Saint-Georges advocates for the promotion of this vineyard to Grand Cru status.
The most prestigious estates of this appellation:
- Domaine Henri Gouges
- Domaine Thibault Liger-Belair
- Domaine Faiveley
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Vosne Romanée 11st cru Les Petits Monts
(article in progress)
A&Arlaud Cyprien Arlaud 1er cru Les Petits Monts Vosne-Romanée
🍷 Buy the 2021 vintage --> https://hapiwine.shop/products/a-arlaud-cyprien-arlaud-les-petits-monts-vosne-romanee-1er-cru-2020-red-burgundy-75cl?_pos=1&_sid=23cf323ca&_ss=r
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Vosne Romanée 11st cru Les Beaux Monts or Les Beaumonts (in the lower part)
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(article in progress)
WINES STILL AVAILABLE FOR SALE AT HAPIWINE SHOP:
Domaine Bertagna, Vosne Romanée 1er cru Les Beaux Monts
🍷 Buy the 2005 vintage --> https://hapiwine.shop/products/domaine-bertagna-vosne-romanee-1er-cru-les-beaux-monts-cote-de-nuits-bourgogne-2005?_pos=6&_sid=a0a77ca68&_ss=r
🍷 Buy the 2012 vintage --> https://hapiwine.shop/products/domaine-bertagna-vosne-romanee-1er-cru-les-beaux-monts-2012?_pos=13&_sid=a0a77ca68&_ss=r
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Vosne Romanée 11st cru Les Gaudichots
(article in progress)
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Nuits-St-Georges 1er Cru Aux Boudots
(article in progress)
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Nuits-St-Georges 1er Cru Les Cailles
(article in progress)
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Nuits-St-Georges 1er Cru Les Vaucrains
(article in progress)