The Domaine de l’Arlot is one of the iconic estates of Burgundy’s Nuits-St-Georges. Early adopters of biodynamics, they farm their impressive holdings with precision and care. The estate uses whole-cluster fermentation, which adds a structure and tension to their wines.
If this makes them hard to approach in youth, given some time and proper cellaring they can become extraordinary. In going through our inventory this week we happened upon our last few cases of a 2011 Premier Cru Nuits-St-Georges from Arlot. We took a bottle home to check in, and found it exceptional.
We’ve squirreled away a bottle or two for our own holiday parties next month, but the rest is up for grabs: $65 per bottle until we run out.
Arlot’s style requires patience, but with 6 years in the bottle most of the work is already done. The Petits Plets cuvée is from the younger vines in Arlot’s monopole Forets-St-Georges, and the 2011 seems to be just now entering its drinking window. Burghound’s notes reflect the wine’s “attractive suppleness” and “well-concentrated” texture.
The nose is exquisite — dark, briary notes of dried fruits and spice mix with a woodsy smokiness, dried violets, and beautiful notes of forest floor and mushroom. In the mouth it’s dense and smooth, with polished fruit bolstered by lovely restrained tension.
Depending on the size of your family, this might not be the best choice for your Thanksgiving next week — it’s subtle and sophisticated, and lends itself to contemplation and a quiet pause. Serve this with duck breasts and potatoes, and don’t invite too many others over.
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Arlot Nuits-St-Georges 1er “Petits Plets” 2011
bottle price: $65
FREE EAST COAST SHIPPING ON ANY 12 BOTTLES