1995 Jean Grivot Clos de Vougeot

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.”

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.