Domaine Arlaud, Vosne Romanee 2016

The results from the intense and meticulous care for the vines became evident very quickly, with wines that speak of terroir in the clearest of voices. In the cellar, intervention is kept to an absolute minimum. Under Cyprien’s stewardship, elegance has been the focus with lower levels of extraction and the reduction of new wood to zero on the Bourgogne and 15-30% on the rest of the lineup. Partial whole cluster is only employed on the upper level wines (maximum 30%), based on the nature of the vintage and if the stems are perfectly ripe.

Domaine Arlaud is a 15 hectare estate run, since 2013, by Cyprien Arlaud. The estate was created by Cyprien’s grandparents in 1942 who inherited some parcels of vines within some excellent vineyards. The estate now consists of 19 separate appellation controlled vineyard sites, a modern winery in Moray Saint Denis and four Grand Cru plots. They were also one of the first Domaine’s to understand the negative effects of modern agriculture and stopped the use of herbicides in 1998 before converting to organic agriculture in 2004 and then becoming certified biodynamic in 2009. Cyprien produces wines of great finesse and intensity. They are complex and heady wines that are amongst the regions finest.