Joseph Drouhin : Clos de Vougeot Grand cru 2017

Tasting notes and advice for the Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru 2017 by Joseph Drouhin

Tasting

Appearance

The color reveals a magnificent, intensely bright ruby hue, characteristic of high-quality young wines made from Pinot Noir in Burgundy.

Nose

The nose displays remarkable aromatic complexity, with intense aromas of raspberry and wild cherry, lifted by a subtle smoky touch. With aeration, the bouquet gradually gains notes of forest floor, black truffle and candied fruit, complemented by delicate hints of pepper, vanilla and licorice.

Palate

On the palate, this wine unveils a sublime structure marked by outstanding balance. The attack is beautifully supple and lingering, offering a sense of richness without heaviness. The refined, silky tannins form the backbone of the wine, polished by extended aging in French oak barrels. Discreet yet present acidity brings freshness and minerality, perfectly balancing the wine’s concentration. The aromatic finish is exceptional, reflecting the extraordinary quality of the terroir.

Food and wine pairings

This Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru 2017 pairs beautifully with furred game such as roe deer or wild boar, feathered game like partridge or woodcock, as well as fine cuts such as grilled beef tenderloin or slow-cooked lamb shoulder. It also elegantly accompanies characterful cheeses such as Époisses, Mont d'Or or aged Comté.

Serving and cellaring

The Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru 2017 should be served at a temperature between 16 and 18°C. Decanting for one to two hours before serving encourages aromatic expression and softens the tannins. This wine is recommended from 2022, with an optimal drinking window spanning 15 to 20 years, and a cellaring potential of at least 30 years under suitable storage conditions.

A Grand Cru from the Côte de Nuits combining finesse and elegance

The estate

Founded in 1880 in Beaune by Joseph Drouhin, the Joseph Drouhin House is one of Burgundy’s most prestigious wine dynasties. Now run by the fourth generation—Frédéric, Véronique, Laurent and Philippe Drouhin—the House owns around 100 hectares of vineyards throughout Burgundy, from Chablis to the Mâconnais. A pioneer of organic and biodynamic viticulture since the 1980s and certified in 2009, Maison Joseph Drouhin embodies Burgundian excellence through an unwavering pursuit of elegant perfection and deep respect for its terroirs.

The vineyard

The Clos de Vougeot is one of Burgundy’s most legendary vineyards, with a history dating back to the 12th century, when the Cistercian monks of the Abbey of Cîteaux cleared and walled this exceptional terroir. Spanning 50 hectares between Vosne-Romanée and Chambolle-Musigny in the Côte de Nuits, this Grand Cru showcases a remarkable geological mosaic. Joseph Drouhin owns two plots totaling 0.90 hectare, set on a gentle slope with an east-facing exposure, on soils combining limestone and clay. The vines average around 31 years of age, offering ideal maturity to express the terroir’s complexity.

The vintage

The year 2017 in Burgundy stood out for its notable earliness and exceptional balance. After a winter that allowed the vines to replenish their reserves, a very summery spring gave an advantage maintained through to harvest. Heatwave episodes alternated with more variable weather during the summer, creating favorable conditions without excessive water stress. Harvest began in late August, two weeks ahead of schedule, and continued until mid-September. The grapes were in outstanding sanitary condition, enabling a crop of perfectly achieved ripeness with very satisfactory volumes.

Winemaking and aging

The Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru 2017 grapes are harvested by hand in small ventilated crates to preserve the integrity of the fruit. Fermentation takes place with native yeasts over 2 to 3 weeks, with carefully managed punch-downs and pump-overs for optimal extraction. Aging is carried out in French oak barrels for 16 to 20 months, including 30% new barrels, gradually refining the tannins and giving them a silky texture. Weekly tastings, complemented by technical analyses, guide every winemaking decision, in keeping with the Drouhin philosophy that favors finesse and balance.

Grape variety

100% Pinot Noir.