2017 Gerard Raphet Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru Cuvee Unique

One of the highlights of the year for Burgundy fans is the North Berkeley Imports spring tasting. This past March, we knew we’d be in for a treat when we walked up to the Gerard Raphet table, whose line-up of Pinots is easily among the best in the world. What we didn’t expect was to be so thoroughly won over by this unforgettable bottling, the 2017 Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru Cuvee Unique.

Its lifted aromatics of rose water and jasmine, and unexpectedly powerful flavors of red cherry and plum all anchored by morels and a distinct earthiness, are hallmarks of only the best Grand Cru Burgundies. Aged in just 15% new oak, this bottling lets its terroir shine through with dazzling clarity.

The vines in the famous vineyard it’s crafted from come from two distinct parcels with an average age of 60 to 80 years, including the century-old lieu-dit Le Grand Maupertuis. It has the concentration and length to age easily for another decade or more.

This sustainably farmed Grand Cru is one of the highlights of the vintage, and a serious bargain pickup for savvy Burgundy lovers looking for a wine that shines brightly now and has an even more transporting future ahead.

• Fruit Intensity
• Oak Intensity
• Body
• Acidity
• Tannin

• ABV 13.50%
• 1 hour
• Now – 2035
• % Pinot Noir
• Serving temperature – 58°
• Cork