Viniou Reviews
Louis Jadot’s 2010 Clos Saint-Denis Grand Cru is a superb expression of Pinot Noir from one of Burgundy’s most esteemed appellations. Harvested from old vines rooted in the legendary climat of Clos Saint-Denis, this wine is the result of meticulous vineyard work and traditional vinification methods. The vintage 2010 was marked by a cooler growing season, yielding intensely aromatic and finely structured wines. In the glass, this Grand Cru typically displays a deep ruby hue and opens with scents of ripe red and black cherries, wild strawberries, delicate floral notes—violet and rose petals—and a subtle earthiness mingled with spice and a hint of forest floor. The palate is refined, with silky tannins, vibrant acidity, and a persistent, complex finish underscored by minerality and nuanced oak from careful ageing.
The Côte de Nuits is celebrated internationally for producing some of the world’s greatest red wines, almost exclusively from Pinot Noir. The region benefits from a semi-continental climate, with cold winters and warm summers, often mitigated by the sheltering slopes and woodlands. The soils in Clos Saint-Denis are rich in limestone and marl, offering excellent drainage and imparting the wines with their signature finesse and depth. This appellation has a storied history, with monastic origins dating back to the Middle Ages, and has always been revered for its ability to produce wines with both power and elegance.
With its layered complexity and finesse, this Grand Cru is an ideal companion for refined dishes. It truly shines with roast duck breast accompanied by cherry sauce, saddle of venison, or even a classic Boeuf Bourguignon. Equally, mature hard cheeses such as Comté or Époisses from the region make for a harmonious pairing, highlighting the wine’s savoury and earthy dimensions.
For optimal enjoyment, decant the wine for at least an hour to allow it to fully reveal its intricate aromatics. Serve at a temperature between 16 and 18°C. This bottling is now entering its peak drinking window, but will reward further cellaring if desired, slowly unveiling added tertiary notes and ever-greater complexity.
