Vougeot 1er Cru “Le Clos Blanc de Vougeot” Monopole Reviews

Lime and lime blossom aromas lead off, with apple, lemon and spice notes underneath. Though on the slim, linear side, this is balanced and ends with a chalky feel. Drink now through 2019.  —B.S.

Vougeot Trophy

Honey, restrained nose, typical Burgundian characters of creamy minerals. Intense and rich with good focus and drive, still plenty of life in it with richer flavours.

 This historic 5.63 acres of white grapes provided monks with their white wine at the Clos de Vougeot. The Boisset family has farmed the site under biodynamics since 2001, mainly chardonnay (95 percent), with a little pinot gris and blanc in the mix. That farming as well as the quality of the terroir both play a role in the performance of this wine at such a high level through two significantly different vintages, in 2013 and 2012 (below). The 2013 emphasizes kinetic energy, a fragrant chardonnay that washes over the palate like a river of stones. The depth and density of flavor is more about pale earthiness than fruit, the texture broad and lush, the firm finish hinting at spice. Sophisticated and elegant, this will gain from five years or more in the cellar.

Here the nose is aromatically similar to that of the Clos du Prieuré except with slightly better layering and depth. I very much like the mouth feel of the rich, generous and fleshy medium-bodied flavors that culminate in a sappy and lingering finish where a touch of wood surfaces.