2023 Alain Hudelot-Noellat - Romanee St. Vivant (750ml)

In 1962, Alain Hudelot inherited two small parcels of his father's Chambolle-Musigny premier cru Les Charmes, then added further vineyards through his marriage to the great-granddaughter of Charles Noëllat, a respected Vosne-Romanée winemaking family, and founded the domaine that bears both names. Today the estate spans roughly ten hectares with an average vine age above fifty years, some parcels dating to 1920, including the prized holding in Romanée-Saint-Vivant that has helped cement the domaine's reputation among Burgundy's most coveted producers.

The grapes here are entirely destemmed and fermented with native yeasts following a relatively long pre-fermentation cold soak, with much of the cap work done by foot rather than mechanical pumping. The wine then spends around eighteen months in barrel, with new oak levels varying by cuvée, allowing the vineyard's structure and depth to come through with clarity.

The 2023 opens with aromas of dark berries, burning embers, orange zest, and exotic spice, layered over floral petals. Medium to full bodied, it is fleshy and dense, framed by powdery, structuring tannins that reward patience. Serve with roast goose, grilled pheasant, or a firm aged cheese.