Tasting Notes
Vinous 92
The 2017 Clos de la Roche Grand Cru shows some charry oak barrel on the nose, just a slight hickory scent that feels out of place. It becomes smokier with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with a lot of stem addition that dominates the terroir expression and fruit at the moment. Well-defined and well-crafted, and it may ultimately turn into a brilliant Clos de la Roche, but that depends on how those stems are assimilated. Tasted blind at the Burgfest 2017 tasting.
Anticipated maturity: 2024-2036
Robert Parker 94
Dujac’s 2017 Clos de la Roche Grand Cru is more reserved that the Clos Saint-Denis, unwinding in the glass with scents of red berries, plums, orange rind, cinnamon, peonies and sweet soil tones. On the palate, the wine is medium to full-bodied, serious and layered, with muscular structure, lively acids and a long, perfumed finish. While this remains a comparatively accessible, finesse-driven Clos de la Roche, at least a decade’s patience will be required to see this begin to realize its potential.
Anticipated maturity: 2027-2065
JancisRobinson.com 18/20
85% stems. They have 1.95 ha here (4.8 acres). Five blocks from Mont-Luisants across to Les Chabiots, average age 50 years. Barrel sample. Rich and ripe in its pure inviting fruit but here the stems show more although they also reflect the character of the vineyard, says Jeremy Seysses ” a little minty note. There’s a lightness of touch even with the intensity of a grand cru. Lifted by that stemmy freshness. Tannins are chalky and layered, refined but youthfully dry. Very long. (JH)
Anticipated maturity: 2027-2040
