Boise Coop Wine Shop

2008 & 2009 Domaine Arlaud

When I first tasted the 2008 vintage from Domaine Arlaud, I thought the wines were showing better than most, and when I mentioned this to winemaker Cyprien Arlaud, his brother made a comment in French I did not understand, but they both were laughing so I had to ask what the joke was. “My brother says I make better wine in difficult vintages than in normal ones.” Well the 2009 vintage has just arrived so we can all determine for ourselves if that highly touted vintage is better than the classically restrained 2008.

Arlaud uses organic practices in his vineyards and is also certified Biodynamic. All of his 1er Cru and Grand Cru vineyards are plowed with a horse drawn harrow to keep tractor fumes out of the vineyard and work the soil as naturally as possible.

One more thing to note is the pricing. These are some of the best buys you will see in all of Burgundy and it is ALL estate grown fruit! When most Chambolle Musigny is reaching the $65 plus price point, he is still under $50. His Charmes Chambertin and Bonnes Mares are the lowest priced wines from those vineyards I have seen by a long shot! Shop around: you will not find much better pricing from Burgundy. –Divit Cardoza

2008 Bourgogne Roncevie $21
2009 Bourgogne Roncevie $22
From a vineyard that should be classified as Gevrey Chambertin, this Bourgogne has always been a wine that surpasses its pedigree with a year or three in the cellar.
2008 Chambolle Musigny $49
2009 Chambolle Musigny $49
This is always my favorite Village wine from Arlaud.
2008 Morey St. Denis 1er Aux Chezeaux $65
2009 Morey St. Denis 1er Aux Chezeaux $59
The youngest of his vineyards at 30+ years, I was particularly impressed with the 2009 when I tasted it out of barrel.
2008 Morey St. Denis 1er Ruchots $68
2009 Morey St. Denis 1er Ruchots $65
From a vineyard that sits just below Bonnes Mares, this is always one of the stand outs of the premier crus.
2008 Gevrey Chambertin 1er Combottes $72
2009 Gevrey Chambertin 1er Combottes $69
From vines over 70 years old, this is the four poster of the 1ers. Always a little bigger and “stronger” than the MSD counterparts. A true to form Gevrey.
2008Charmes Chambertin $110
2009 Charmes Chambertin $115
Supple and silky with all the charm of Charmes. My tasting notes were glowing about the texture of this wine. Lush and full of pleasure.
2008 Clos De La Roche $110
I really liked this out of barrel. We did not get any 2009.
2008 Bonnes Mares $149
2009 Bonnes Mares $149
The sexiest and most exotic wine in the Domaine. Only 8 rows, so there is not much of this made, but it is always true to the vineyard’s reputation.