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Visit Domaine Arnoux-Lachaux, tasting of the 2017s

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Third visit at Domaine Arnoux-Lachaux … and what can I say – a very impressive visit, that confirms the constant improvements at this estate.

At my last visit Charles Lachaux eagerly began to explain about the changes they have made at the estate in recent vintages. Explained about less use of new oak, less extraction and furthermore the introduction of a quite high percentage of whole cluster grapes in the wines.

Furthermore work with biodynamic viticulture is in progress, showing the way for further improvements in the viticulture – this is definitely an estate to follow and an estate to cheer.

The lighter 2017s ..

The 2017 vintage is a lovely vintage – but while it’s good it’s however in my view not what one would call a great vintage.

Arnoux-Lachaux has however improved the quality even further in 2017, and while the two previous vintages were potentially bigger vintages, the 2017s does show an excellent potential here.

Charles Lachaux seems very clear and focused in what he is doing – and this certainly corresponded well with the 2017s he has produced. These are elegant wines – with a lovely weight, although perhaps without the sheer weight of the 2016s and especially the 2015s.

Again … lets be honest while these vintages are even considered great, the 2017s har a vivid lightness from Arnoux-Lachaux, a lightness I personally enjoy and quite adore.

So better than the 2015s and 2016s – no presumably not – as attractive as the two more dense vintages – perhaps and especially considering the year.

Tasting notes from the tasting on June 19th 2017

All the wines showed well and ready to taste …. congratulations to Charles Lachaux … lovely lineup.

Domaine Arnoux-Lachaux, Bourgogne Pinot Fin 2017

The Bourgogne Pinot Fin 2017 is a delightful generic wine from excellent plots below the road (D974) in Chambolle-Musigny, Vosne-Romanee and Nuits-Saint-Georges. The bouquet is very forward and quite floral (70% Whole Cluster) offering a vivid fruit – notes of red currant and red cherries. For this level lovely depth and complexity. Lighter and perhaps more lively than the 2016.

(Drink from 2020) – Good (86 – 87p) – Tasted 14/11/2018

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Domaine Arnoux-Lachaux, Nuist-Saint-Georges 2017

The Nuits-Saint-Georges 2016 is a blend of several different vineyards – with the majority of the area located north of Nuits-Saint-Georges. The is a rather classic NSG – minerality displaying iron and clay. The nose is offering lovely juicy fruit notes of red and dark cherries, hint of red currant. Lovely complexity.

(Drink from 2025) – Very Good (88 – 89p) – Tasted 14/11/2018

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Domaine Arnoux-Lachaux, Chambolle-Musigny 2017

The Chambolle-Musigny comes from several different plots located quite high in the Chambolle appellation south of the village – i.e. from the area that was highly affected by the April 2016 frost – but back in 2017. A fine wine – displaying quite a lovely Chambolle fruit – offering lovely flow and drinkability – not quite matching the Vosne village though.

(Drink from 2025) – Very Good (88 – 89p) – Tasted 14/11/2018

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Domaine Arnoux-Lachaux, Vosne-Romanée 2017

The Vosne-Romanée 2016 is a delight with a lovely intensity for the vintage. This wine comes from Aux Communes, Aux Saules and is a fresh and complete village – 70% whole cluster used as far as I recall. The nose offer juicy red and dark berry fruit – raspberries, red currants and boysenberries – spiced with cinnamon and a hint of cloves and violets. On the palate energetic fruit – lovely mineral spiciness.

(Drink from 2027) – Very Good+ (89 – 90p) – Tasted 14/11/2018

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