Clos du Roi is the finest red vineyard of Corton. In fact Jasper Morris suggests it would have been better if the vineyard was simply declared as Grand Cru Clos du Roi to differentiate it from the rest of Corton.
The story goes goes that in 1477, on the death of Charles the Bold, the last Duke of Burgundy, King Louis XI seized the duke’s lands, including this vineyard on the Corton hill. Clos du Roi translates roughly as “the King’s enclosure” or “the King’s vineyard.”
It is ideally placed at 300 metres above sea level, short of the band of vineyards below the crown of the hill. The limestone is responsible for Clos du Roi’s exceptional character. It is a structured, yet elegant wine, that explodes from the glass. It also ages brilliantly. As James Suckling says “pure class”.
We offer the new 2023 from Domaine de la Vougeraie. It is produced from vines over 70 years old and is quite a bargain for Grand Cru Burgundy (and far more affordable than its cousins from the Cote de Nuits).
There’s a gentle, graceful and pure nature to this wine, with aromas of bright red berries, rose petals, crushed river stones, rainforest scrub and ferrous earth. The palate is nervy and tense, with fine boned tannins, bright acidity and a minerally, mouthwatering finish. This is such a pure expression of pinot noir with complete clarity and focus. Pure class with old-vine character from a vineyard planted in 1951. Drink or hold. 97 Points
The 2023 Corton Clos du Roi from Domaine de la Vougeraie is delicious, with ripe black fruit aromas and hints of violets, earth and spice. The texture is elegant and balanced, with silky tannins, rich extract and a lingering finish, but there is a core of power here that is very gratifying. The wine is made from a half-hectare of vines acquired from the Pierre Ponnelle estate that were planted in the 1950s; only individual dead vines have been replanted. (Drink between 2030-2050). 94 Points
A fuller ruby to crimson. Ripe fruit is evident on the nose, but most attractive. No more than medium plus density, and interesting how the 20% whole bunch vinification shows its character a lot this year. A bouquet to spend a good long time over. A sweetly harmonious floral finish, with a refined structure. Ripe fruit but it really works. Drink 2030-2037. 92-95 Points
