Pierre-Henri Rougeot Côte de Nuits Villages "Les Plantes du Bois" 2022

Intense and dark robe for a Pinot Noir. On the nose, predominant notes of small stone fruits, such as sour cherry, with the pit being more pronounced than the fruit itself. Acidity is already perceptible. There's a presence of smokiness and a noble spice. In the mouth, the tannins are not yet fully integrated but are not bothersome at all. There's a nice coherence with the same characteristics as on the nose, and the well-present acidity suggests a pairing with a suitable dish (something rich and creamy). Nice length. Shows great aging potential. Decant if enjoying now.

In the center of Meursault village, Pierre-Henri Rougeot has been quietly producing impeccable, minimal intervention, low-sulfur wines since he returned to the family domaine in 2010. The 18th century stone cellar was originally built for the Hospices de Beaune to press fruit from the adjacent orchards, and was purchased Pierre-Henri’s great-great-grandfather in the 19th century. Today, the orchards have been transformed into an elegant garden and stamp-sized monopole vineyard, and the cellar has been renovated to comfortably hold two vintages from Rougeot’s 13 hectares of vines in and around Meursault.

Pierre-Henri’s experience traveling throughout France gives him a unique vision that hews strongly to Burgundian tradition, marked by a soft touch inspired by the vins natures made by his friends in Saumur, Cahors, and beyond. Today, the Rougeot vineyards are farmed organically, and Pierre-Henri’s minimal sulfur vinification effortlessly balances a natural wine approach with traditional Burgundian technique to create wines with energy and balance.