Domaine de l'Arlot Nuits Saint Georges 1er Cru Clos des Forets Saint Georges 2018

The second of two great monopole vineyards at the core of this Domaine, this is also one of the great terroirs of Nuits, made clear by its position so close to Les Saint-Georges (and its name which reflects this proximity). At 7.2 hectares, Clos des Forêts Saint-Georges is by far the largest single parcel in the l’Arlot stable and produces the Estate’s most profound red wine.

Running the entire width of the Côte from the forest to the RN74, Forêts contains three distinct terroirs which l’Arlot pick and vinify separately. From top to bottom these are: a band of white oolitic limestone with very little topsoil; a fracture in the middle of the vineyard, where pink Prémeaux limestone takes over; then ‘younger’ Ladoix limestone and more clay at the bottom of the slope. A portion of the youngest vines were previously harvested for the now defunct Petits Plets cuvée—now over 30 years old, these have come of age and so form a part of this cuvée.

This is the deepest, most intense red in the l’Arlot stable and one that perfectly highlights the dark-fruited, inky power of this terroir. As with the Clos de l’Arlot, Forêts took in 45% new oak in the maturation. The fruit for this cuvée was completely de-stemmed. The 2018 would be very hard to pick blind as it is so fine and restrained. Although generous, it shows no markings of a warm vintage. Superbly textured, with lifted perfume and such fine tannins, this is—as always—benchmark Premier Cru. Ideally, you’d give it at least three to five years, but it will live easily for decades.  

“The 2018 Nuits Saint-Georges Clos des Fôrets Saint Georges 1er Cru, one of the two monopoles of the domaine, is completely de-stemmed and sees around 45% new oak. Funnily enough, it has a very Vosne-like bouquet with floral aspects permeating the blueberry and wild strawberry fruit. The medium-bodied palate offers supple tannins and fine depth. Very smooth in texture, with impressive harmony. It just needs a little more tension and personality toward the blackberry-driven finish; the Clos de l’Arlot is imbued with a little more charm at present. The tannins will need several years to soften, and then this will really show its mettle.” - 92-94 points, Neal Martin, Vinous

'By Arlot standards there is a slightly greater depth of colour here, but it is still in a mid-red register but bright and fresh. The fruit is darker than for either Clos de l’Arlot or Suchots, and it is very slightly sombre. Excellent intensity of fruit further back on the palate with a good mix of tannins and acidity to bring up the finale. Fair persistence too. Maybe an edge of additional brilliance has been removed by the storms but it is hard to see any clear negative effect.' - 91-93 points. Jasper Morris, Inside Burgundy