2000 Jean Raphet Clos de la Roche Cuvee Unique

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 la Roche is a 41-acre Grand Cru vineyard in the Morey St.-Denis appellation in the Cotes de Nuits, in northern Burgundy. The tiny village of Morey St.-Denis is just south of Gevrey-Chambertin and Clos de Roche is considered the appellation’s most superior Grand Cru. The vineyard’s elevation ranges from 270 to 300 meters, and its soil is extremely rocky with excellent drainage. The soil is largely limestone, and in some places it is barely a foot deep. Writer Clive Coates calls Clos de Roche “the classiest of the Morey Grand Crus.” The largest landholders are Ponsot with 8.35 acres; Dujac, 4.88 acres; and Armand Rousseau, 3.7 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.