Domaine Gerard Raphet Clos De Vougeot Grand Cru 2014

Domaine Gérard Raphet Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru 2014 (frequently arriving in the U.S. market under the Cuvée Unique label) is an exceptionally complex, savory, and fully mature French red wine. Sourced from the family's prized parcels of old vines—averaging 60 to 80 years of age—within the historic walled vineyard, this 100% Pinot Noir showcases the magnificent depth and secondary complexity that comes with over a decade of careful cellaring. In the glass, it features Raphet’s signature highly translucent, delicate ruby-red glow with a faint bricking at the rim. The nose is open, highly expressive, and beautifully tertiary, revealing a perfume of dried red cherries, stewed black plums, and withered rose petals, deeply layered with notes of leather, damp forest floor, game, and a dusting of exotic baking spices. On the palate, this medium-bodied Grand Cru is remarkably broad-shouldered and deeply textured, carrying a surprising volume and a forceful intensity of flavor that defies its pale color. Its core of succulent, sappy red fruit is seamlessly balanced by a vibrant, mineral-backed acidity and fine, completely integrated tannins, leading into a long, structural finish marked by a distinct iron and smoky edge.

Food Pairing: This structural, perfectly aged Grand Cru pairs magnificently with classic roasted duck breast with a cherry-balsamic reduction, slow-roasted venison loin, wild boar ragù, pan-seared squab, or mature French cheeses like Époisses and well-aged Comté.