1999 Jean Raphet Clos Vougeot Cuvee Unique Reserve

Jean Raphet’s domaine has been managed since 2002 by his son, Gérard Raphet. The name of the estate has also been changed to Gérard Raphet. The 30-acre estate includes parcels in Charmes-Chambertin, Clos de la Roche, Chambertin, Clos-de-Vougeot, Gevrey-Chambertin and Morey-Saint-Denis. There are Grand Cru, Premier Cru and villages parcels. Burgundy expert Clive Coates has written that “the line-up is impressive, and the atmosphere efficient. The results can be very good; rich, full, plummy and succulent.”

Clos de Vougeot is a walled vineyard that dominates the tiny commune of Vougeot in Burgundy’s Nuits-St.-Georges. The 124-acre Grand Cru vineyard includes a historic chateau that in 1945 was purchased by the Confrerie des Chevaliers du Tastevin, an organization devoted to promoting the traditions of Burgundy and its wines. The impressive chateau is the organization’s headquarters. Clos de Vougeot was established as a vineyard by Cistercian monks in the 12th century, then sold off to private owners after the French Revolution. The vineyard is unusual for a Grand Cru in that it includes land that runs down to the main road. The soil is light limestone with sand. Principal landowners are Chateau de la Tour, with 13 acres; Meo-Camuzet, 7.5 acres; Rebourseau, 5.5 acres; Louis Jadot, 5.3 acres; and Leroy, 5 acres.

This red wine is relatively light and can pair with a wide variety of foods. The grape prefers cooler climates and the wine is most often associated with Burgundy, Champagne and the U.S. west coast. Regional differences make it nearly as fickle as it is flexible.