Among the great lords of the Côte de Nuits, the Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru 2014 from Domaine Louis Latour embodies a sense of balance where the grace of Pinot Noir meets the authority of a legendary terroir. In this fascinating clos, a mosaic of micro-parcels surrounded by ancient walls, the two-century-old house crafts a wine that is both vibrant and profound, reconciling the vintage's freshness with finely chiselled substance. Sourced from top selections within the clos, on the Chambolle side and lower towards Vosne, it marries tension and charm, uprightness and velvet. The patiently measured ageing in French oak adds a halo of gentle spice and a refined architecture without ever disguising the cru's identity. Praised by the Guide Bettane & Desseauve 2017 for its poise and elegance, it takes its place at the table of discerning lovers of fine wine and epicures seeking rare moments.

Blend and winemaking

This Grand Cru is made from Pinot Noir selected within the clos, the emblematic Burgundian grape and an excellent revealer of soil nuances. Domaine Louis Latour, faithful to respectful viticulture, conducts winemaking with precision to preserve the fruit's brightness and the terroir's sap. The ageing, of 10 to 12 months, takes place in French oak barrels from the house cooperage, with a medium toast intended to encourage a harmonious integration of tannins and aromas. This controlled approach delivers a caressing texture, a fine structure and aromatic depth that gain complexity with time while retaining the purity of the varietal expression.

Tasting notes

• Colour: Bright garnet with deep highlights, edged by a sheen that signals density and freshness. Clarity and substance are already visible in the glass, promising a precise and silky palate.
• Nose: A complex, nuanced bouquet woven from elegant floral notes, myrtle and peony, supported by accents of forest floor, blackcurrant and black berries. Delicate spices and a smoky touch from the ageing provide noble depth without masking the fruit.
• Palate: Generous, airy attack; a juicy, structured mid-palate with silky, well-integrated tannins. The mouthwatering structure stretches the wine towards a persistent, spicy and fresh finish, where myrtle, blackcurrant and a hint of finely integrated wood reappear.

Serving temperature and advice

Serve between 16 and 18°C in large balloon glasses to enhance the bouquet and texture. Gentle decanting in a carafe, done moderately, allows the wine to open its spice and dark fruit aromas while preserving its finesse. Store bottles on their side, away from light, in a cool, steady cellar. A classic age-worthy wine, it evolves gracefully over the years and reveals additional notes of truffle, humus and candied fruit while remaining true to its noble line.

Food pairings

• Game birds and game: roasted partridge, lièvre à la royale or venison, the noble meat and robust sauces create a masterful harmony.
• Red meats: seared côte de bœuf, dry-aged ribeye, shallot-reduced jus, to underline depth and silky tannins.
• Lamb: herb-roasted rack or confit shoulder, a subtle match with the oak's spicy sweetness and the fruit's juiciness.
• Mushrooms and truffle: porcini risotto, truffle ravioli, an earthy pairing elevated by the wine's aromatic drive.
• Cheeses: aged Comté, mature Brillat-Savarin, perfectly served Époisses, a dialogue between creaminess and structure.

Occasions to enjoy

The Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru 2014 is at home on gastronomic tables and at intimate celebrations. Its aristocratic bearing, the clarity of its framework and its long finish make it an ideal foundation for grand seasonal dishes, while offering lasting emotion to the enthusiast. Its signature, both precise and sensual, is expressed as much in the moment as through the patience of prolonged cellaring.

• To mark a rare event with elegance and depth.
• At a seasonal dinner focused on game, mushrooms and fine meats.
• As a connoisseur's gift to enrich a cellar and share a moment of the art of living.

Characteristics

• Name: Domaine Louis Latour, Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru 2014
• Appellation: Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru AOC
• Type: Red wine
• Vintage: 2014
• Grape: Pinot Noir
• Alcohol by volume: Not disclosed
• Ageing: 10 to 12 months in French oak barrels, medium toast
• Volume: 75 cl
• Cellaring: Age-worthy wine, long-term potential
• Serving temperature: 16 to 18°C