Faiveley Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru 1500ml

In the Middle Ages, the monks of Cîteaux undertook works on this Clos which is surrounded by small drystone walls. It took them over 2 centuries to build the Clos as we know it today. The demarcation of the Clos was defined in the 14th century and the boundary wall was built in the 15th century. 82 owners currently share the 50 hectares of this iconic Burgundian clos. Domaine Faiveley owns 3 parcels here, an indication of the sheer complexity of Bourgogne. 2 parcels are situated in the lower part of the clos and the 3rd in the centre of the clos near to the château.

Winemaker notes

Deep ruby red with complex fruity and floral notes (rose, violet) and a subtle hint of oak on the nose. The attack is smooth with powerful tannins. This well-structured and very persistent wine is an honour to the reputation of this exceptional Grand Cru.

2018

Burghound 92-94: Here the aromatic profile is completely different with its relatively elegant and high-toned nose that consists of red cherry, raspberry, soft earth and humus scents that are trimmed in subtle wood nuances. The sleek, round and seductive medium-bodied flavors possess lovely mid-palate density and richness, all wrapped in a very firmly structured, dusty and balanced finale that flashes the characteristic youthful austerity.

Wine Advocate 93-95: The 2018 Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru is performing very well, wafting from the glass with a deep-pitched bouquet of cassis, wild berries, incense, rich soil tones and woodsmoke. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied, layered and broad-shouldered, with a deep and layered core, rich structuring tannins and ripe but succulent acids. Long and sapid, this is another excellent Clos Vougeot from Faiveley, and this cuvée seems to go from strength to strength every year.

Decanter 93: Domaine Faiveley owns three parcels in the Clos de Vougeot, totaling 1.27 hectares, including one in Grand Maupertui next to Anne Gros, another in Baudes Basses next to Drouhin, and more in Quatorze Journaux. The oldest vines date to before WWII. The fruit is mostly destemmed and given a cold maceration before fermentation on native yeasts in oak fermenters. There is a maturation of 16 - 18 months in cask (mostly from François Frères and Taransaud), 60% new in 2018. The result is concentrated and powerful, with a ripe, fragrant aroma of dark plums with pleasant floral notes and a mineral underpinning. There is no shortage of tannin or alcohol on the palate, but the balance is there, making this a powerful wine that needs a bit of aging to show its best.

2019

Burghound 92-95: A distinctly earthy and exceptionally fresh nose speaks of the pure essence of various red berries and a whiff of underbrush. There is both excellent density and richness to the imposingly scaled flavors that culminate in a delineated, sappy and markedly austere yet refreshing finale. This is a classically styled Clos that will take its sweet time maturing.

Wine Advocate 93-95: Aromas of cherries, wild berries, incense and loamy soil, framed by a deft touch of spicy new oak, introduce the 2019 Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru, a medium to full-bodied, rich and layered wine that's elegantly muscular, with terrific depth and concentration. Long and penetrating, this is a fine longer-haul proposition from Faiveley.

Decanter 92: Faiveley owns 1.27ha in the Clos de Vougeot, spread over three parcels; two are at the bottom of the Clos, while the third lies in the section known as Grand Maupertuis. The grapes are given a classic fermentation, with a percentage of whole clusters and daily punching down, to produce a wine that has a seductively supple raspberry and violet-scented fruit. The texture is approachable, lovely and fresh, if lacking a bit of grip.

2020

Burghound 92-94: This is also aromatically restrained with its ripe mix of black and red raspberry, plenty of earth and discreet spice and wood wisps. I very much like the texture of the round, rich and markedly powerful big-bodied flavors that deliver outstanding length and solid depth on the compact finale where the only nit is a touch of warmth. Patience advised.

Wine Advocate 93-95: The 2020 Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru is excellent, unwinding in the glass with aromas of dark berry fruit, cassis, orange rind and spices, framed by a deft touch of classy new oak. Full-bodied, layered and muscular, it's rich and concentrated, with lively acids and a long, resonant finish. This is one site that clearly thrived in this warm, dry vintage.

James Suckling 96: Such a lovely cassis and framboise nose that you'd need to have a problem with red or dry wine not to fall in love with this. Not one of the biggest 2020s in Burgundy, but the balance and texture of this are so beautiful. Such delicate sweetness and spice. Very long, structured yet silky finish. Drink or hold.

Decanter 96: The wine has an inky dark colour and pronounced aromas of blackberry, fig, smoke and spice. The texture is lush, yet there are firm tannins and the wine never seems overbearing or aggressive - everything is kept in elegant balance. Faiveley is the proprietor of three parcels that total 1.27ha in the Clos de Vougeot, including a portion in Grand Maupertuis and two parcels nearer the bottom. The fruit was picked very ripe (14.5%) and partially destemmed before fermentation, with a very careful extraction and ageing in cask (half new).