Domaine Arlaud, Morey‑Saint‑Denis 2020

Black cherry, boysenberry, ripe raspberries with subtle violets underpinned with notes of forest floor on the nose. On the palate it is both graceful and rich, the fruit is ripe but precise, supported by smooth, refined tannins and fresh acidity that gives lean edges without drying. There is understated spice, white pepper, graphite, that emerges toward the long finish, which lingers with balanced intensity and a mineral hint. Elegant, layered, and very promising for further ageing though approachable now with decanting.

Country: France  Region: Côte de Nuit  Grape: Pinot Noir
ABV: 14%   Bottle Size: 75cl  

Additional Information: Domaine Arlaud was created in 1942. In 2013 Cyprien Arlaud (5th generation) assumed full control over management of the Family estate by which time it had grown to 15 hectares, consisting of 19 separate Appellation Controlled vineyard sites, with choice plots in 4 grand Crus: Clos de la Roche, Clos Saint Denis, Charmes Chambertin, and Bonnes Mares. 

Certified organic since the early 2000s and biodynamic since around 2014, the vineyard work is very hands‑on (including some ploughing by horse), grapes are hand harvested, vinification is with indigenous yeasts.

The 2020 Morey‑Saint‑Denis is 100 % Pinot Noir. Vines are mature (many 35‑45+ years old), from village‑level plots such as “En Seuvrées” and “Clos Solon”. Winemaking is minimal intervention and builds around purity of fruit, terroir expression, and finesse over overt power.