Domaine de l’Arlot Nuits-Saint-Georges ‘1er Cru Clos de l’Arlot’ Monopole 2023

Why is this Wine so Yummy?

Clos de l’Arlot is the Premier Cru monopole at the heart of this domaine. It’s where the domaine’s buildings and winery are situated, with the vines straddling the steepest, narrowest part of the Côte d’Or. The stone walls date back to the 18th century, when the Clos de l’Arlot was created.

These vines produce a far more delicate, ethereal wine than the nearby Clos des Forêts, its sister vineyard just down the road. Only 0.87 hectares of the oldest Pinot vines planted in Clos de l’Arlot are used for this Grand Vin. Most of these were planted between 1939 and 1951 on the steep, concave amphitheatre part of the slope historically known as Cadastre no. 15. Although Clos de l’Arlot is labelled Nuits-Saint-Georges, the place really has so little in common with the rest of Nuits, and this shows through in the wine’s personality, which is much more Chambolle. This reflects the rocky, close-to-the-forest Prémeaux terroir (which is as good for white wines as for reds).

About Domaine de l’Arlot

Domaine de l’Arlot, with its hillside vineyards and 19th century gardens, has what many consider to be the most beautiful estate in Burgundy. Since the late 1980s this producer has also been responsible for some of the prettiest red Burgundies going around. The perfume, silkiness and flickering clarity of these wines is born of the l’Arlot vineyards, and the Prémeaux terroir in general. Prémeaux has always stood apart from the rest of Nuits-Saint-Georges and made wines that are altogether more fine and elegant than those produced further North, around the town itself. L’Arlot brings the finesse of this terroir to the fore with their approach to wine growing and élevage. Biodynamic farming, perfect, well-sorted fruit, gentle extraction and whole bunch use, all play their part. Every step, from vineyard to bottle, is tailored to underline purity and finesse.

2014 was Jacques Devauges’s last year as winemaker, (before he was headhunted by the great Sylvain Pitiot for the role of Clos du Tart’s new régisseur), and Géraldine Godot’s first. The pair worked together at harvest time, with Géraldine assuming control over the élevage prior to bottling. To her credit, Godot refuses to accept any plaudits for the quality of Arlot’s ’14 wines.  The plaudits can wait. The energy and dynamism Géraldine Godot is bringing to Domaine de l’Arlot is palpable.

“This was an impressive set of wines, less flamboyant and fruit driven than the previous vintage, more linear and structured with graphite notes often cropping up on the finish. The Clos des Fôrets is among the best within the appellation… Also keep an eye on the excellent whites, especially the La Gerbotte Blanc that should represent great value.” Neal Martin, The Wine Advocate

Geraldine explores the 2017, 2018 & 2019 vintages in the film below.

Where in the World is Domaine de l’Arlot?

Based in Premeaux-Prissey just to the south of Nuits-Saint-Georges, the Domaine also produces two wines from Vosne-Romanée, the 1er Cru Les Suchots and Grand Cru Romanée-Saint-Vivant. This particular wine is a monopole produced only by the Domaine and no other.