2004 Jean Grivot Richebourg

Domaine Jean Grivot is a 42-acre domaine in Clos de Vougeot, in Burgundy’s Cote de Nuits. The Grivot family has been growing grapes and producing wine in the area since the 17th century. Today the estate is run by Etienne Grivot who worked in viticulture in California and other regions of France before taking over the estate. Domaine Jean Grivot has Grand Cru parcels in Richebourg, Clos de Vougeot and Echezeaux, and Premier Crus in Vosne-Romanee and Nuits-Saints-Georges. Clive Coates describes the estate as “one of the great domaines of Burgundy. Everything is done in the vineyard with respect for the quality and life of the soil.”

Richebourg is an 18.3-acre Grand Cru pinot noir vineyard in the Cote de Nuits, within the commune of Vosne-Romanee. The vineyard lies just to the north of La Romanee and Romanee-Conti and is situated at elevations from 260 to 280 meters. The soil is a clay, pebble, limestone and sand mixture. Richebourg includes the subsection of Les Veroilles-sous-Richebourg. Principal landholders of Richebourg are Domaine de la Romanee-Conti, with 8.78 acres; Leroy, with 1.95 acres; and Gros Frere et Soeur, with 1.73 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.