Description
Domaine Arlaud, Morey-Saint-Denis, 1er Cru “Ruchots”
Domaine Arlaud began with the WWII-era marriage of Joseph Arlaud to Renée Amiot, whose family owned several prime Burgundy vineyards, including pieces of the Clos St. Denis and Bonnes Mares Grand Crus. Joseph’s son Hervé followed, expanding the domaine’s holdings further, then in 1997 it was Hervé’s son Cyprien’s turn to run the show. Perhaps the hallmark achievement of Cyprien’s tenure has been his conversion to biodynamic farming—fully certified in 2014, and the first in his home village of Morey-Saint-Denis. Though they’ve long been considered top notch Burgundy, Cyprien and his team have really hit their stride in the past several years and they are finally receiving the rave reviews and glowing press they deserve. We wholeheartedly agree with Allen Meadows when he says “2021 is a vintage that very much suits the Arlaud style of refinement and energy.” Of course all the attention means they’re quite limited!
“Les Ruchots” is widely considered the finest Premier Cru vineyard in Morey, with an enviable location on the border with Chambolle, just below the Grand Crus of Bonnes-Mares and Clos-du-Tart. Given this ideal position, it’s not surprising that this cru is known for combining the deep, brooding fruit and spice of Morey with the more lifted, floral aromatics of Chambolle. Cyprien’s restrained, elegant style plays perfectly with the natural balance of this terroir, and that is especially true in a classic, transparent vintage like 2021. Though the finesse and balance will allow for this wine to be enjoyed on the younger side, with a good decant, ideally it will rest for at least five to ten years in the cellar, then it will blossom into a truly profound Red Burgundy experience.
