Wines Vougeot Domaine Philippe - Les Cras - 2004

This 2004 Vougeot Premier Cru “Cuvée Les Cras” from Domaine Philippe represents the essence of classic Côte de Nuits red Burgundy. While the precise grape variety is not stated, Vougeot Premier Cru reds are predominantly made from Pinot Noir, and this cuvée, originating from one of the finer sites, is likely no exception. The vintage, now with considerable bottle age, should show evolved aromas: look for earthy forest floor, dried cherry, and perhaps subtle notes of leather and spice, with a refined structure and complex tertiary bouquet. The terroir of Les Cras—typically marked by limestone-rich soils—tends to impart finesse, mineral tension, and a certain litheness to the wines, balancing elegance with persistent depth. Traditional vinification methods in this region focus on expressing the subtle nuances of both site and vintage, and extended aging adds further detail and charm.

Vougeot is nestled in the heart of the Côte de Nuits, famous for producing some of the world’s most sought-after and nuanced Pinot Noirs. The vineyards are gently sloping and benefit from the region’s temperate continental climate, with cool nights that allow slow and steady ripening, preserving freshness and aromatic finesse. The area has a storied history dating back to Cistercian monks, whose meticulous attention to vine-growing and winemaking shaped the identity and prestige of the local crus.

For food pairings, a mature Vougeot such as this calls for dishes with subtlety and depth to match its complexity. Think of tender roast duck with wild mushrooms, slow-cooked lamb shoulder, or pigeon breast served with root vegetables. Regional Burgundian classics like coq au vin, beef bourguignon, or even earthy lentil and mushroom dishes will complement its savoury profile. Hard cheeses such as aged Comté or tomme de Bourgogne are also wonderful accompaniments.

Given its age and structure, serve this wine at 16-17°C. Decanting for around 30 minutes is advisable to allow the evolved bouquet to open gracefully. Enjoy with patience—a mature Premier Cru Vougeot is as much a wine for contemplation as it is for the table.