Domaine Confuron Cotetidot Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru Rouge 2020

Domaine Confuron-Cotetidot Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru Rouge 2020 is an exceptionally prestigious red from the Côte de Nuits, Burgundy, France. Made entirely from Pinot Noir, it's widely recognised for its structured, classic profile and excellent ageing potential.

The Confurons — Yves, Jean-Pierre and patriarch Jacky — are the current generations of a very old Burgundy family, with mentions of the family even at the court of Louis XIV. The Domaine is run by Yves and Jean-Pierre, though its soul is Yves, who splits his time with Domaine de Courcel in Pommard. The family is very close and father Jacky always helps when he can. Several qualities make this producer special. First, unlike most Burgundy producers, Yves picks much later, waiting for the Pinot Noir to be fully ripe, and when it comes in he vinifies with 100% stems, seeking freshness and finesse. Second, a purist philosophy, with no interventions that harm the vineyard or the grapes, combined with almost obsessive rigour. The results are great wines that may at first seem "too" luscious, but become masterful after half a dozen years. As a curiosity, and an honour no other family has, there's a variety of Pinot Noir in Burgundy called Pinot Confuron.

This is alive with energy. Healthy dark red with tons of ruby. Aromas of black cherry and liquorice are lifted by a violet top note. Tight and minty on entry, then a little more supple in the middle, giving an impression of medicinal reserve to its dark flavours of black cherry, spice and minerals. Finishes with substantial tooth- and tongue-coating tannins. This wine also had a late malo and is very backward today, needing more élevage to gain flesh and sweetness. Very good indeed. Once again such super-smooth tannins add a clean frame to the fruit and power — keep it up.