Clerget Vougeot 1er Cru “Les Petits Vougeots” 2023

Justine Clerget has shown herself to be a remarkable talent in the last few years, and this tiny gem of domaine in Vougeot is still a largely undiscovered source. She has introduced organic viticulture, refined extraction, and has leaned into stem use. The resulting wines are classy and modern, but with an old school Burgundian soul.

About 80% of the vines in the town of Vougeot are part of the enormous Clos Vougeot Grand Cru, but the other 20% covers some exceptional premier crus, including “Petits Vougeots,” which borders both Clos Vougeot and Le Musigny over the border. The Clergets’ plot here produces impressive wines, bolder than the Chambolles and approaching the concentration of the nearby Grand Cru. Broad, sturdy and delicious, this is not a wine you’ll soon forget. The 60 year old vines contribute exceptional richness, which Justine steers into a powerful but refined package with notes of cassis, violets, and plums. Burghound again found it “outstanding” and “beautifully textured,” concluding “This lilting effort is pretty much textbook Petits Vougeots.”