Domaine Patrice Rion Nuits-Saint-Georges 1C Clos des Argillieres 2014
- Vintage
- 2014
- Country
- France
- Region
- Burgundy,Cote de Nuits
- Size
- 750ml
- Rating
- WA93
- Grape
- Pinot Noir
Tasted blind at the Burgfest 2014 tasting, Rion's 2014 Nuits Saint-Georges 1er Cru Clos des Argillières is tightly wound on the nose and needed more encouragement from the glass than its peers. It eventually offers dark cherries, bergamot tea and cranberry scents that gradually gather momentum. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin, impressive purity, focused and energetic with an appealing sense of structure and harmony toward the poised, quite noble finish. This is a very well-crafted Nuits-Saint-Georges that should give 12-15 years of pleasure. Tasted September 2017. Drink:2018~2035 - WA93
Nuits-Saint-Georges reds almost always have an intense, dark colour. The aromas are powerful and complex: they combine cherry, blackcurrant, fur, truffle, and often spices. They are among the most tannic in Burgundy. The tannin-roundness harmony makes them full-bodied and solid wines.
Its dress is purple and dark. The dominant fruit is blackberry, blackcurrant or blueberry (black fruit). A wild side is brought by notes of juniper and hawthorn. There is discretion and a little restraint in youth, but class is always present. The material is concentrated but the elegance takes precedence. The grain of tannin is fine but a certain firmness guides the wine. A welcome minerality holds it through to the finish. - Winemaker's Notes
Domaine Michèle & Patrice Rion cultivates these vines using only organic agricultural practices. It was one of the first wine producers in Burgundy to grow their vines much higher than average to optimize ripening.
During harvest, grapes are picked by hand and sorted in two rounds – the first to remove unripe fruit and the second to ensure no imperfect berries make it to the winemaking stages. The Pinot Noir grapes are completely destemmed and fermented for approximately 12 days.
After fermentation, the wines are aged on their lees for between 15-18 months in either Allier or Tronçais oak barrels. The percentage of new oak varies, depending on the classification and vintage.
History
The domaine was established in 1990 when founder Patrice Rion was still working as head winemaker at the Rion family estate, Domaine Daniel Rion et Fils. In 2000, he left to make wine at his own domaine, and built a new winery in northern Prémeaux. In 2005 Patrice and Michèle's son Maxime joined the business. - Information from Wine Searcher