1959 Charles Noellat Clos Vougeot

Domaine Charles Noellat was a large and esteemed estate in Vosne-Romanee. At its height in the mid-20th century, it included more than 100 acres, including some excellent parcles in Romanee-St.-Vivant and Clos-de-Vougeot. Charles Noellat died in 1939 but his heirs kept the estate going, as well as dividing up parts of it in inheritance agreements. Domaine Alain Hudelot-Noellat is on property that was once part of Charles Noellat. However in 1988 the remaining property of Domaine Charles Noellat was acquired by the Leroy family.

Clos de Vougeot is a walled vineyard that dominates the tiny commune of Vougeot in Burgundy’s Nuits-St.-Georges. The 124-acre Grand Cru vineyard includes a historic chateau that in 1945 was purchased by the Confrerie des Chevaliers du Tastevin, an organization devoted to promoting the traditions of Burgundy and its wines. The impressive chateau is the organization’s headquarters. Clos de Vougeot was established as a vineyard by Cistercian monks in the 12th century, then sold off to private owners after the French Revolution. The vineyard is unusual for a Grand Cru in that it includes land that runs down to the main road. The soil is light limestone with sand. Principal landowners are Chateau de la Tour, with 13 acres; Meo-Camuzet, 7.5 acres; Rebourseau, 5.5 acres; Louis Jadot, 5.3 acres; and Leroy, 5 acres.

This red wine is relatively light and can pair with a wide variety of foods. The grape prefers cooler climates and the wine is most often associated with Burgundy, Champagne and the U.S. west coast. Regional differences make it nearly as fickle as it is flexible.