2021 Domaine Jadot “Clos Vougeot” Grand Cru, Burgundy, France

ABOUT THIS WINE

Jadot is the second largest owner within this large and historic Grand Cru. Recent climate change has elevated the stature of the Jadot parcels, with deeper soils capable of retaining moisture and coping with the current annual drought conditions. This is still a wine for aging, with burly tannins and dark fruit and earth flavors, yet in recent years much more elegant and focused.

The 2021 vintage was memorable for the extreme challenges it posed to growers. The defining event was a hard freeze in April which lasted several days, and the subsequent dramatic reduction in harvest volumes. Added to this were cool and wet summer conditions which required constant vigilance. The delayed harvest eventually yielded tiny volumes of pristine grapes which express a vibrant and energetic purity.

ABOUT THIS PRODUCER

Louis Jadot is one of Burgundy’s most important negociants, both qualitatively and quantitatively, with a portfolio that covers everything from inexpensive Bourgogne and Beaujolais wines to several grand cru wines, from the Cte de Beaune to Chablis. Unsurprisingly, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay feature heavily in the portfolio.

The house was founded in Beaune in 1859 by Louis Jadot, although the first vineyard Clos de Ursules was purchased in the 1820s. The headquarters remains in Beaune, although vineyard holdings have increased exponentially. Louis Jadot owns land in some of Burgundy’s most famous vineyards, including Le Musigny, chezeaux, Chapelle-Chambertin and in the famously fragmented Clos de Vougeot vineyard. Louis Jadot wines are also made in Chambertin, Montrachet, Corton and Romane-Saint-Vivant.

As well as the sizeable portfolio of wines made under the Louis Jadot label itself, the house also makes wines for Domaine du Duc de Magenta, and for Domaine Gagey. Andre Gagey took over as general manager for Louis Jadot in 1968 and, along with winemaker Jacques Lardiere, is often held responsible for Louis Jadot’s high reputation.