Côte de Nuits 2021: New Releases

Clos de l'Arlot is the historic flagship monopole vineyard of the domaine, and Lay & Wheeler is delighted to have an allocation for the first time in 2021. It is efined and delicate, with classic and pure Pinot red fruit, supple tannins, and a long elegant finish.

The domaine purchased this plot of Vosne premier cru in the 1990s, and since then has been making this superb cuvée. An elegant bouquet of ripe wild strawberry and plum notes announce this Suchots arrival. The palate is agile and fresh, with silky, supple tannins. It has a long, fine mineral finish. Impressive.

This monopole vineyard spans over seven hectares of limestone hillside, accounting for almost half the domaine’s production. It has elegant and enticing red fruit on the nose, ripe though not rich. The tannins in this wine are supple and soft. This has astonishing depth, alongside haunting purity on the palate, a melange of wild strawberries, cherries, red plum with a finish that goes on forever. Such perfect balance in this fine, fine wine.

This is one of few prestigious whites of the Côte de Nuits, and comes from one of the estate’s two monopole vineyards. Clos de l’Arlot is the steep, walled, amphitheatre vineyard just next to the cellars. In 2021, the Clos de l’Arlot Blanc is miniscule in quantity, even with the fact that the young vines that formerly made La Gerbotte will now go fully into this famous cuvée. Just 2,500 bottles will be made, rather than the usual 8,000. The 2021 displays a beautiful concentration of fruit - lemon, pear and freshly cut melon. It is precise and elegant with a refreshing salinity on the finish and great energy.

First appearing in 2015, this cuvée is made from the young(er) vines of the Clos de l’Arlot that had once been labelled ‘Petit Arlot’. It consistently proves its worth as a separate bottling with every new vintage. In 2021, it is refined and delicate, with classic and pure Pinot red fruit, pretty little tannins, and a long elegant finish. Everything is in perfect balance.

Like the Suchots, this was another clever purchase that the domaine made in the 1990s, and marks a high point in the cellar. There is a serious amount of wine here, ably supported by some generous oak that will integrate within a few years. This is a grand cru to be reckoned with. Such density! It has a luxuriously amplified volume and concentration. So effortless and elegant - beautiful