2012 Michel Noëllat Vosne Romanee Les Beaux Monts

Domaine Michel Noellat is in Vosne-Romanee, near Domaine Leroy. The 66-acre estate is owned and operated by brothers Alain and Jean-Marc Noellat, who are the fifth generation to run the enterprise. The brothers’ adult children, cousins Sophie and Sebastian, are now also involved in running the domaine. This large domaine has parcels in numerous appellations from Marsanny-la-Cote to Pommard. There are two Grand Crus, eight Premier Crus and numerous village wines. Altogether Domaine Michel Noellat has nearly 100 parcels in 22 appellations and produces about 90,000 bottles annually. Grand Cru parcels are in Clos Vougeot and Echezeaux. Premier Cru parcels are in both the Cote de Nuits and the Cote de Beaune. The family also has a small negociant business.

Les Beaux Monts is a 28.6-acre Premier Cru vineyard in the Vosne-Romanee appellation of Burgundy’s Cote de Nuits. It is on the northern edge of the appellation, bordering Flagey-Echezeaux. The vineyard has a southern exposure, and the soil is part clay and marl. It is one of the largest of Vosne-Romanee’s Premier Crus. Clive Coates calls Les Beaux Monts “a nice big wine, but nonetheless perfumed, full of finesse, even lush.”

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.