2009 Domaine Mouton Givry 1er Cru Clos Jus

2009 Burgundy. Believe the Hype!
It’s said in Burgundy that vintages finishing in ‘9’ are always outstanding, but 2009 seems to have set a new benchmark. Overall, it is a "Solar" year, fully ripened and abundant - in fact the second biggest harvest after 1999. As in other parts of France, comparisons with 2005 are apt. But there are definite characteristics that set 2009 apart. It began with a severe winter, assuring the vines would well and truly be in a state of dormancy. The late Spring finally arrived in April and delivered above average maximum temperatures with significant fluctuations throughout the month. Flowering started in the second half of May. The earliest sectors of Burgundy enjoyed homogenous and rapid flowering, however, others dragged into June, with some uneven fruit set (coulure and millerandage), primarily due to several dramatic temperature swings. Early July storms brought some much needed water relieving the hydric deficit. But the rain was also a potential catalyst for disease, with sporadic hailstorms only heightening anxieties. Then summer arrived to assuage everyone’s worries. Conditions settled. Clear skies and good heat restored a sanitary state to the vines. Ripening (veraison) took place in ideal conditions, which carried into harvest time and beyond, only interrupted by a minor rainfall (certainly nothing to spoil the dream scenario). The true challenge in 2009 was to monitor acidity, with an early September harvest maintaining good tension in the wines. By then, vignerons across Burgundy were already summing up the vintage with understated excitement. Observations like, “The Chardonnay was harder than usual to press due to the thick skins” suggested the fruit was both pristine and promising terrific flavour concentration; while “...the extraordinary ease with which colour was extracted from the reds” was not merely a favourable result, but a herald of coming greatness. 2009’s reputation was sealed at the press. If you are a "Pinot Noir" drinker who hasn't discovered the birth place of this famous varietal - no question, 2009 will be an ‘introduction to red Burgundy par excellence’.
Almost two years on, the resulting wines are expressive and already seductive. Seasoned Burgundy lovers will appreciate their approachability (and price), as even the modest appellations have produced wines of a high calibre. We have tasted dozens of samples and, like you, we’re most interested in those wines with optimum PFM (Pleasure For Money) ratios - notoriously difficult to find in Burgundy - which is why these wines won’t last long. An elegant, yet very flavoursome 2009 at a price that belies its Premier Cru status.
A Premier Cru from the Cote Chalonnaise, a distinct sub-region sitting south of the greater Cote de Beaune area, making the junction with the Maconnais further south. The "Clos Jus" from Domaine Mouton is a 3rd generation estate in Givry. With Gerard Mouton at the helm, the estate has come to be recognised as one of the region’s "locomotives", setting a pace that others are presently following. The "Clos Jus" is located in the hamlet of Dracy-le-Fort to the north of the appellation is a 6.5 ha vineyard with a full eastern aspect. The red Argovien soils give the wines a distinctive identity. Tasting note....
Semi translucent bright dark crimson red colour with crimson red mauve hue. The nose displays perfumed aromas of violets and dark cherry followed by some meaty game like characters and a touch of earth as an end note. Light to medium weight the palate delivers plenty of flavour with dark cherry and plum dominate followed by some spice and subtle earthy clove like characters on the back palate. Dry finish with very fine grained perfectly balanced tannins creating an almost supple like mouthfeel. Good power wave with long aftertaste of dark cherry, spice and a touch of earthy clove.
Drink over the next 3-4 years (2011-2015)
Alc 13.0%

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