Domaine Gerard Raphet Clos De Vougeot Vieilles Vignes Grand Cru 2014

Domaine Gérard Raphet Clos de Vougeot Vieilles Vignes Grand Cru 2014 (sometimes labeled in the U.S. under the Cuvée Unique banner) is an extraordinarily complex, muscular, and beautifully fully matured French red wine. Sourced from the family's prized, centenarian-grade parcel of 100+ year-old vines within the upper walls of the iconic Clos, this 100% Pinot Noir showcases the profound depth and concentration that only ancient root structures can yield. In the glass, it sports Raphet's classic, highly translucent ruby-red shimmer. The nose is spectacularly open and beautifully tertiary at over a decade old, yielding an expressive bouquet of stewed dark plums, dried black cherries, and sweet violets, underpinned by dense layers of game, wood smoke, wet potting soil, and exotic kitchen baking spices. On the palate, this medium-bodied masterpiece is surprisingly broad-shouldered and deeply textured. Its core of succulent, sappy dark berry fruit effortlessly smothers what was once a very firm tannic spine, kept wonderfully lively by a racy, mineral-backed acidity. The finish is remarkably long, structural, and savory, trailing off with lingering notes of truffle, iron, and dried forest leaves.

Food Pairing: This structural, perfectly aged Grand Cru pairs magnificently with classic roasted duck breast with a cherry or orange reduction, slow-cooked venison loin, wild boar ragù, mushroom-infused beef osso buco, or rich, pungent French cheeses like Époisses, Reblochon, and well-aged Comté.