2020 Hudelot Noellat Meursault 'Clos des Ecoles'
Region: Burgundy, France
Grape: Chardonnay
Culinary Suggestions: Buttery Shellfish, Roast Pork, Aged Cheese, Foie Gras
Practices: Organic
About
Domaine Hudelot-Noellat is an iconic wine producer from Vougeot in the Côte de Nuits. Its 10 hectares of vineyards are located in prime spots within the best appellations of Burgundy. They have 14 appellations spread over the villages of Nuits-Saint-George, Vougeot, Chambolle-Musigny and Vosne-Romanée. Since 2008, Charles Van Canneyt – Alain Hudelot’s grandson – has run the Domaine with dedication and hard work.
The Domaine started in 1964 with the marriage of Odile Noellat and Alain Hudelot. At the time, the Noellat family owned many great vineyards in the Côte de Nuits, all located in the best appellations, from regional to Grand Cru. In 1978, Odile and Alain inherited five hectares of premier vineyards in Vosne-Romanée from Charles Noellat, Odile’s grandfather.
The Domaine includes virtually every appellation a Burgundy wine connoisseur could dream of. At the regional level they have beautiful Bourgogne Pinot Noir and Bourgogne Aligoté. At the village level, the Domaine is crafting Chambolle-Musigny, Nuits-Saint-Georges and Vosne-Romanée. At the 1er Cru level, it is a symphony of the best terroirs of Pinot Noir known; Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru “Les Charmes”, Nuits-Saint-Georges 1er Cru “Murgers”, Vougeot 1er Cru “Les Petits Vougeots”, Vosne-Romanée 1er Cru “Les Beaumonts”, “Les Suchots” and “Les Malconsorts”. At the top, in the world of Grand Cru, Domaine Hudelot-Noellat is producing some of the most sought after Clos de Vougeot, Romanée-Saint-Vivant and Richebourg.
In addition, the Grand Crus are planted in the best location within the appellation, next to the vineyards of the most renowned Domaine de la Romanée Conti and Domaine Leroy. Furthermore, a major part of the vines of the Romanée-Saint-Vivant are very old (more than a century). The whole vineyard is planted with fine clones, naturally producing less but more concentrated grapes.
Charles is growing the vineyard organically most vintages. However, if the weather is challenging and the crop at high risk of disease, he is willing to treat them accordingly.
At Domaine Hudelot-Noellat the winemaking is traditional. The must is fermented in concrete vats to further the elegance and purity of the wines. Charles wants the Pinot Noir made from the best Burgundy terroir* to express its charming, refined flavours. To achieve such an excellent result, every step is considered and executed with the utmost care. - Importer Note
Tasting Notes
There is a whiff of honeysuckle to the ripe white fleshed fruit, roasted nut and discreet hints of passion fruit. The attractively vibrant and textured medium weight flavors possess solid density and fine depth on the sneaky long finish. This well-made effort is really quite good plus it should drink well early on.
89-91 points - Allen Meadows, Burghound.com June 2022
Drink: 2024+
Rated: Outstanding