Beaune 1er Cru
"Clos du Roi"

RegionCôte de Beaune
VillageBeaune
AppellationBeaune Premier Cru
Grape varietyPinot Noir

The Vine

Average vine age 30 years
SoilClay and limestone.
Average yield40hl/ha
HarvestHand picked

Wine tips

Cellaring Potential7-10 ans
Serving temperature 15-17°

Description

Beaune "Clos du Roi" is a small 13 hectare vineyard situated to the north of the appellation, and is without doubt one of the best parcels in Beaune. Owned by the dukes of Burgundy and highly favoured by the kings of France, this wine was regularly served at Versailles. During the 15th century upon the death of Charles le Téméraire, the final duke of Burgundy, this parcel of vines passed into the hands of the royal winemakers and therefore became Beaune 'Clos du Roi' (plot (of land) of the king). With a perfect south/south-easterly exposure, the vines are worked traditionally by the winemakers of Domaine Louis Latour.

Vinification & Ageing

Fermentation
Traditional in open vats
Ageing
10 to 12 months ageing in oak barrels, 35% new
Barrels
Louis Latour cooperage, French oak, medium toasted

Wine tasting

Tasting Note
The Beaune 1er Cru "Clos du Roi" 2012 has a deep ruby red colour and reveals aromas of ripe fruits, raspberry and blackberry. It is full in the mouth with lovely tannic structure and is rounded on the finish.
Food Pairing
Beef "bourguignon" - poultry - duck - soft cheeses.

Press review

Beaune 1er Cru "Clos du Roi" 2012 - Wine Spectator - Juin 2015 - 91/100

Press review

Beaune 1er Cru "Clos du Roi" 2020 - Wine Spectator Insider - August 2022 - 93/1000
This red evokes blackberry and black currant fruit, along with toasty oak and a distinctive graphite note. Supple, with dense tannins and a succulent finish. A violet element chimes in on the aftertaste. Best from 2024 through 2040. -B.S.
Beaune 1er Cru "Clos du Roi 2019" - Wine Spectator - 90/100 ptsBoasts bright cherry, raspberry, mint and spice flavors framed in toasty oak. A graceful and intense red, which firms up on the finish. Drink now through 2028. 240 cases made, 60 cases imported. — BS
Beaune 1er Cru "Clos du Roi" 2018 - 92 pts - Wine Spectator May 2021

Dark and brooding, this muscular red offers blackberry, blueberry, licorice, spice and earth notes. It's well-balanced and lively, with a hint of dark chocolate and chalky tannins on the finish. Best from 2024 through 2040.— BS
Beaune 1er Cru "Clos du Roi" 2015 - Jancis Robinson - January 2017 - 17/20
Beaune 1er Cru "Clos du Roi" 2015 - Burgundy Report - December 2016 - "Very tasty wine"
A big, deep nose of opulent dark-red fruit, yet there is freshness here too. Big, round, really flavour-packed and quite long finishing too. A mouth-full of wine, but very tasty wine! Bill Nanson (UK)
Beaune 1er Cru "Clos du Roi" 2012 - Wine Spectator - Juin 2015 - 91/100Firm yet expressive, with cherry, strawberry, floral and mineral flavors saturating the palate and remaining persistent. Well-balanced, ending with ample fruit and a chalky, tactile sensation. Best from 2018 through 2029.
Beaune 1er Cru "Clos du Roi" 2011 - Wine Spectator - June 2014 - 91/100Lean and sinewy, with floral, cherry and raspberry flavors. Opens with air, imparting an elegant feel. Dense tannins and a mineral element emerge on the finish. Best from 2016 through 2025. By Bruce Sanderson (USA)