“At their best, the 2008s Côte de Nuits reds are excellent wines with vibrant acidities that speak clearly and eloquently of their underlying terroirs. They are refreshing, energetic, balanced, fresh, intense, pure and racy…In short, they’re classic burgundies of delicacy, finesse and grace. Moreover, they should prove to be worthy cellar candidates for aging over the medium-term.”—Burghound
Here is the perfect chance to get your hands on some of the most expressive and luscious red Burgundy of 2008—all because you knew exactly where to look.
Domaine Arlaud for decades has been our go-to domaine in Morey. Even when the going gets tough and Mother Nature throws a couple of sliders, the Arlaud family delivers because they simply don’t accept second best.
We were very, very selective (even more so than usual) in 2008, as only the best of the best up and down the Côte d’Or made red Burgundy for the ages. It goes without saying that Arlaud for years has been among those ranks. We tasted some of the most harmonious, most complex and certainly the easiest to love wines of the vintage right here—pure Pinot fruit, persistent aromas, and a character and complexity of flavor that is both terroir-resonant and unmistakably Arlaud.
All this talent doesn’t happen by accident. The Arlaud family—with brothers Cyprien and Roman in the cellar, sister Bertille and her trusty horse plowing the fields, and father Hervé supervising it all—are a tireless bunch, and tossed aside any grape or berry in 2008 that didn’t meet their exacting standards. More than 40% in some regions—which for many producers would be suicide—but at Arlaud they know what needs to be done.
This is a vintage of concentrated berries, good freshness and definition in both aroma and on the palate, of wines that talk terroir very clearly when the winemaker made sure to not get in the way. Winemaker Roman Arlaud’s easy touch with each and every cru at the estate certainly let the grapes do the talking—Chambolle is unmistakably Chambolle, Morey flexes its silky muscles, and each grand cru shows you why it’s so aptly named.
What’s more, as of 2009 all Arlaud wines are now 100% organically (certified)—an important landmark that honestly confirms for us what we’ve known all along. Wise wine lovers stop here first.