1980 Domaine Robert Arnoux Clos Vougeot

Domaine Robert Arnoux is a 35-acre estate in Burgundy’s Cote de Nuits that traces its roots to 1858. Its mid-to-late 20th century history was shaped by Robert Arnoux, who took over from his father in the 1950s and made improvements to the vineyards and cellar. Robert died in 1995 and today the estate is run by Robert’s daughter Florence and her husband, Pascal Lachaux. The domaine has Grand Cru vineyards in Vosne-Romanee, Clos de Vougeot and Romanee-St.-Vivant. It also has Premier Cru and villages parcels in Nuits-Saint-Georges and Chambolle-Musigny. Clive Coates has written that the wines made under Pascal Lachaux "have been excellent."

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.