Seductive and sophisticated bouquet of forest floor, earth, eucalyptus, mushrooms and some strawberries. Overall a very nice aromatic complexity. (On a bit less poetic tone: at first it did remind me of cola.)
In the mouth as elegant as on the nose. Light and full, old and young at the same time. Subtle flavours of cherries, strawberries and bees wax. The tannins impart a firm grip. The aftertaste is again discrete, but well present and lasting.
A wine to be tasted on its own for a long time. (I had to stop after 1 hour because lunch was ready.)
I did approach this bottle with high expectations. On one side it has been recommended to me by the wine expert at Lucullus, where I bought it 3 years ago for 70 CHF, as a good example of a Pinot Noir from Burgundy, without getting into the outrageously expensive ones. On the other side, I read enthusiastic reviews about this Nuits Saint Georges 1er Cru from Domaine de l’Arlot. Moreover, 2009 is the vintage my son was born. A year that gave humanity both: an outstanding vintage and a great (little) man.
After a few frustrating trials with Pinot Noir, I finally didn’t get disappointed. On the contrary, I have been really pleased with this bottle, which has been well worth its price.
I don’t have much experience with Burgundy’s wines and most likely will never have. In this quintessential terroir region the wines are so overpriced (mainly due to scarcity) and jagged that accumulating the necessary tasting experience would end up being pretty expensive, and I’m not sure it is worth the effort and the spending.
A couple of years ago I did taste a few of the best Grand and 1er Crus of the Côte de Nuits, but didn’t have a revealing experience. (Same for the Côte de Beaune’s best withes.) In general, Bordeaux style and Northern Rhône Syrah wines appeal much more to my taste than the products of Burgundy.
Country: France
Region: Burgundy
Grapes: Pinot Noir
Type: Red
Vintage: 2009
Producer: Domaine de l’Arlot
Price range: Extra (50-100 US$)
Pascal’s Enjoyment Index: 4/5