Beaune 1er Cru - Clos des Mouches 2010

The name "mouches" means flies. There were once bee-hives in this sun-drenched "clos" (vineyard enclosure); the bees in the local dialect were called "mouches à miel" (honey flies), hence the name Clos des Mouches. 

It is one of the first vineyards acquired by Maurice Drouhin (the founder's son) in the 1920's. With great determination, he bought 41 different parcels from 8 proprietors. 

It is planted equally in red and white grapes and both wines have achieved mythical status for the House of Joseph Drouhin.

"An exceptional wine. Beautiful, deep-red ruby colour, with the bright sheen of great Burgundies. Intense and fresh nose for the young wines. Primary notes of red fruit dominate, such as Morello cherry ("griotte", or wild cherry), raspberry, blackberry. There are hints of complexity with smoky flavours evolving towards liquorice. When the wine is maturing, aromas of pepper, tobacco, humus and undergrowth appear. When drinking the wine, the first impression is always clear-cut and the texture fleshy. The body is firm without being rough, well meshed without being heavy. There is great freshness in the younger wines. With age, the wine gets rounder. It takes on "gras" (velvety texture) and a more precise architecture, supported by silky tannins. It is lively and refined at the same time. There remains a final and most pleasing sensation of harmony, fullness and delicate tannins, as the wine lingers on the palate".

Tasting note by Véronique Boss-Drouhin

Vintage

The reds were vinified harmoniously. We managed to keep a good proportion of whole bunches in a great number of cuvées. The malolactic fermentations were late and as they lasted over a long period, the wines acquired fullness and complexity. They display a neat and bright ruby-red colour. The wines are elegant, long on the aftertaste and with ample character. 2010 will certainly provide some great wines.

Service: Serve at 16°C. To be consumed between 5 and 40 years.