Vougeot 1er Cru “Les Cras” Reviews

30% whole clusters. A distinct floral note adds elegance to the otherwise humus and freshly turned earth dominated red berry fruit aromas that also evidence a hint of minerality that can also be found on the vibrant and solidly well concentrated medium-bodied flavors. There is an abundant amount of dry extract that largely buffers the very firm and mildly rustic tannins on the admirably long finish where a hint of mocha can be discerned. This offers very solid if not truly special quality and will need up to a decade to reveal all of its potential.

Plush and spice-filled, this also has a smoky cast to the cherry and plum notes. Though backed by a solid structure, this is ready to enjoy. Moderate length. Drink now through 2018. 450 cases made. –BS

The 2009 Vougeot Les Cras is a mid-weight translucent red. Sweet spices, menthol and flowers add complexity to the dark fruit. The Cras is sensual, round and inviting all the way to the finish. This is a gorgeous, inviting wine. The Cras has 50% whole bunches and 45% new oak. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2027. Biodynamic farming and non-interventionalist winemaking are at the heart of the approach at Domaine de la Vougeraie. The 2009s saw roughly a 25 days of maceration (including a week of cold soak) with one punch down a day. Once in barrel racking was kept to a bare minimum. A number of wines were bottled in late 2010 and early 2011. I tasted these wines with winemaker Pierre Vincent in March 2011.

Tasted out of barrel at the Domaine. The Premier Cru Les Cras was raised with 30% whole bunches and 50% new oak. It has ripe strawberry and cranberry on the nose, handling the new oak better than some of the other Premier crus with fine definition and sense of mineralite coming through. The palate is well balanced with ripe supple tannins, good structure here, quite masculine, although the finish is just a little disjointed at the moment. Hopefully it will meld together by the time of bottling. again, I perhaps would like to see say around 30% new oak rather than 50%. Tasted November 2010.

30% whole clusters. A distinct floral note adds elegance to the otherwise hummus and freshly turned earth dominated red berry fruit aromas that also evidence a hint of minerality that can be found on the vibrant and solidly well concentrated medium-bodied flavors that possess ample amounts of dry extract that largely buffers the vewry firm and mildly rustic tannins on the admirably long finish. This is really quite good and will need about a decade to reveal all of its potential. 2019+

Floral Aromas. Red cherry palate; bright, light and engaging. A straight, pure and energetic wine, which is well defined and lifts to a high-toned, mineral finish. Drink 2015-2020