Antoine Lienhardt runs this eponymous estate, which covers just over 5 hectares of vines in some of the finest appellations on the Côte de Nuits. His Clos-de-Vougeot Grand Cru is made from Pinot Noir grown according to strict organic and biodynamic principles. This encourages the older vines to dig their roots deeply into the soil to draw the nutrients they need to flourish. This is, in part, achieved by sprinkling them with natural herbal teas. This results in vigorous grapes that produce complex wines.
Designed for long ageing, this Clos-de-Vougeot is the fruit of a low-intervention vinification process that lets the native yeasts initiate fermentation and bans all inputs. In the glass, the wine displays a ruby colour that develops brown tints over time. Complex notes of red and black fruit, dried rose, sweet spices, leather and humus rise from the glass. The tannins are present and firm in their youth, but soften with age and make a marvellous accompaniment to dishes packed with character.