SECTION THIRTEEN: BURGUNDY FROM DOMAINE DE L'ARLOT
Domaine de l'Arlot is virtually unique in the history-steeped region of Burgundy, being a top-class Domaine which is a mere decade and a half old. Created in 1987 from the old Domaine Jules Belin, it has been under the umbrella of Jean-Michel Cazes and AXA - Millesimés, the brainchild of Jean-Pierre de Smet, who has developed a formidable reputation as one of Burgundys most acconplished winemakers.
De Smet, an accountant by profession, learnt, practised and perfected his winemaking skills with Jacques Seysses at Domaine Dujac in Morey-Saint-Denis. Much of the Dujac philosophy endures in the wines of l'Arlot.
The most important vineyards of the domaine are those represented here; namely the two monopoles Clos De l'Arlot (4 hectares) and Clos des Forêts-Saint-Georges (7 hectares).
The over-riding philosophy of Jean-Pierre de Smet is of attaining a natural a fermentation process as possible - with the minimum intervention both in vineyard and cellars: light organic fertilizers only, no chemical weedkillers; manual harvesting, minimal destemming. The fermentation process is cool and long, with maceration of 15 to 20 days. During this time, the must is not pumped over, but rather the cap is pushed down by foot.
Maturation is in small oak barrels, of which 40 to 50 are new each year, and only two or three rackings are undertaken druing the 16 to 18 months in cask. Fining is with fresh egg-whites, and, importantly, there is not filtration.
Nuits-Saint-Georges, 1er Cru, Clos des Forêts Saint Georges
Details
Nuits-Saint-Georges, 1er Cru, Clos des Forêts Saint Georges
Côte de Nuits. Domaine de l'Arlot
--Vintage 1987 (2)
--Vintage 1988 (2)
--Vintage 1989 (2)
--Vintage 1990 (2)
--Vintage 1991 (2)
--Vintage 1992 (2)
This and the following lot, represent the first six vintages produced by Jean-Pierre de Smet following the establishment of the Domaine in 1987. A fascinating tasting opportunity
Above 12 bottles per lot
Côte de Nuits. Domaine de l'Arlot
--Vintage 1987 (2)
--Vintage 1988 (2)
--Vintage 1989 (2)
--Vintage 1990 (2)
--Vintage 1991 (2)
--Vintage 1992 (2)
This and the following lot, represent the first six vintages produced by Jean-Pierre de Smet following the establishment of the Domaine in 1987. A fascinating tasting opportunity
Above 12 bottles per lot