Wines Vosne-Romanée Domaine Clos Frantin - Malconsorts - 2015

Viniou Reviews

Domaine Clos Frantin’s Vosne-Romanée Premier Cru “Cuvée Malconsorts” 2015 is a stellar expression of Pinot Noir from one of Burgundy’s most prestigious terroirs. The Malconsorts vineyard, lying adjacent to the renowned La Tâche, is famed for its exceptional soils of clay and limestone, which confer both power and finesse to the resulting wines. In 2015, a notably warm and balanced vintage, the grapes harvested offered deep concentration and pristine ripeness. The vinification at Clos Frantin adheres to traditional Burgundian methods: hand harvesting, careful sorting, and ageing in French oak barrels, which lends the wine additional structure and subtle complexity.

The Côte de Nuits, at the heart of Burgundy, enjoys a cool continental climate tempered by hillsides that allow for excellent drainage and sun exposure—ideal for the delicate Pinot Noir grape. The region’s ancient soils, a mix of marl and limestone, imparts an unmistakable mineral character that is prized by collectors and aficionados. Vosne-Romanée itself is steeped in history, synonymous with elegance and aromatic complexity. Over centuries, it has built a reputation as the provenance of Burgundy’s most seductive and ageworthy reds.

Vosne-Romanée Premier Cru wines such as this Malconsorts present notes of ripe red cherry, wild strawberry, and blackcurrant, alongside delicate hints of rose petal, truffle, and exotic sweet spice from carefully managed oak maturation. Structured yet silky, with an impressive lingering finish, it calls for sophisticated food pairings. Classic Burgundian dishes like coq au vin or beef bourguignon match beautifully, while roast duck breast with cherries or herb-crusted rack of lamb are also excellent choices. For an authentic local touch, try it with oeufs en meurette or a truffled chicken fricassée.

For optimum enjoyment, serve this Vosne-Romanée at 16-17°C, ideally after decanting for around an hour to allow its aromas to open up. While already delightful, this 2015 is only just entering its plateau and promises further complexity with a few more years in the cellar.