2022 Domaine Prieuré Roch Nuits St. Georges 1er Cru Vieilles Vignes

The 2022 Domaine Prieuré Roch Nuits-Saint-Georges 1er Cru Vieilles Vignes is an impressive Premier Cru that combines the powerful signature of Nuits-Saint-Georges with the unparalleled finesse and purity for which Domaine Prieuré Roch is admired worldwide. Sourced from old vines and produced according to the estate's biodynamic philosophy, this Pinot Noir offers a deep, layered, and extremely elegant expression of one of the most important terroirs of the Côte de Nuits. Domaine Prieuré Roch Domaine Prieuré Roch is one of the absolute cult estates of Burgundy. Founded by Henry-Frédéric Roch, co-owner of Domaine de la Romanée-Conti for many years, the estate is known for its uncompromising approach to terroir and natural viticulture. The vineyards are cultivated organically and biodynamically, with low yields and exclusively manual harvesting. In the cellar, intervention is kept to a minimum. The grapes ferment spontaneously with natural yeasts, with a large proportion being processed as whole bunches. The wines age in French oak and are bottled without fining or filtering. As a result, they retain their full aromatic richness, vibrancy, and terroir expression. For more information about Domaine Prieuré Roch, please refer to the Winery tab. Vieilles Vignes in Nuits-Saint-Georges This Premier Cru comes from old vines in Nuits-Saint-Georges, where the deep limestone and clay soils produce Pinot Noir with great structure, concentration, and complexity. The old vines naturally yield low harvests, allowing the grapes to develop high aromatic intensity and natural balance. Although Nuits-Saint-Georges is known for its powerful style, Domaine Prieuré Roch demonstrates that this appellation can also possess exceptional elegance. Natural vinification and respect for the terroir result in a wine that effortlessly unites power and refinement. The 2022 volume 2022 is considered one of the finest recent Burgundy vintages. Thanks to a warm growing season, the grapes reached optimal ripeness, while cool nights ensured the preservation of freshness and aromatic precision. The result is wines with great concentration, silky tannins, and excellent balance. For Nuits-Saint-Georges, this meant a vintage in which the classic structure of the appellation is beautifully combined with a strikingly refined texture and great accessibility, without compromising on aging potential. Vinification The grapes are harvested entirely by hand and carefully selected. Fermentation proceeds spontaneously with natural yeasts, and a significant portion of the grapes is retained as whole bunches. This results in extra complexity, refined spiciness, and a lively structure. The wine subsequently ages in French oak, where the wood serves solely to support the terroir. Clarification and filtration are deliberately omitted. Scent, taste and character The 2022 Nuits-Saint-Georges 1er Cru Vieilles Vignes opens with an intense bouquet of black cherries, wild blackberries, blueberries, and ripe raspberries. Subsequently, aromas of violets, rose petals, black tea, liquorice, fine spices, and a subtle earthy undertone typical of the best terroirs of Nuits-Saint-Georges develop. On the palate, the wine immediately reveals its impressive depth. The core of dark and red fruit is supported by lively acidity and extremely refined tannins. Despite its powerful structure, the wine remains remarkably transparent and elegant, with a beautiful tension that gives it length and energy. The finish is long, mineral, and harmonious, with nuances of herbs, forest floor, floral notes, and chalky minerality that continue to develop slowly. As the wine breathes more, it continually gains complexity. A classic Premier Cru with a future This Vieilles Vignes perfectly demonstrates why Domaine Prieuré Roch is so highly regarded. The wine combines the characteristic structure of Nuits-Saint-Georges with remarkable finesse and transparency. Thanks to the old vines and the natural winemaking me