2012 Domaine Bruno Clavelier Vosne Romanee La Combe Brulee Vieilles Vignes

Domaine Bruno Clavelier is a 14.65-acre estate in Vosne-Romanee, Burgundy. Since the late 1980s it has been run by Bruno Clavelier, a former professional rugby player who took over the estate after his grandfather retired. Clavelier is a proponent of biodynamic viticulture, and he is known for his strict attention to organic grape growing. Most of his vines were planted in the 1920s. Clavelier’s parcels include plots in the Grand Cru vineyard Corton le Rognet, and premier crus in Vosne Romanee, Gevrey Chambertin and Chambolle Musigny. Burgundy expert Clive Coates has written that Clavelier’s wines, which are not filtered, “are full, rich and perfumed: this is quality produce.”

Vosne-Romanée is the most prestigious appellation in Burgundy. Its 449 acres of vineyards are in and around the village of Vosne-Romanée and they include renowned Grand Cru vineyards which produce some of the world’s most coveted – and costly —wines. The Grands Crus are Richebourg, La Romanée, Romanée-Conti, Romanée-Saint-Vivant and La Tâche. The Grand Crus Échezeaux and Grands- Échezeaux are actually located in the neighboring village of Flagey-Échezeaux, but legally they can be sold under the Vosne-Romanée appellation. There are also seventeen Premier Crus in Vosne-Romanée. Wine writer Clive Coates has called Vosne-Romanée “the greatest Pinot Noir village on earth” and notes that the appellation’s style “is for wines which are rich, austere, sensual, masculine and aristocratic.”

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.