The 2014 Nuits-Saint-Georges 1er Cru Clos Saint Marc from Domaine Michèle & Patrice Rion is a vibrant and elegant expression of Pinot Noir from a 0.93-hectare monopole vineyard in the Prémeaux-Prissey sector of Nuits-Saint-Georges. This wine exhibits an imperial purple hue and is described as “absolutely mouth-filling” with ripe, dark fruit flavors. It strikes a generous yet balanced style, avoiding excessive richness or “plummy” notes, and finishes long and refined. The wine benefits from Patrice Rion’s innovative techniques, including reduced new oak (30% for 2014) and meticulous sorting of healthy grapes, with harvesting beginning on September 12, 2014. The aromatics are likened to a blend of the 1979 and 1989 vintages, showcasing complexity and finesse. The vineyard’s deep topsoil over marne contributes to its structured yet harmonious profile.
Critics’ Reviews
- Berry Bros. & Rudd (Jasper Morris MW): “The 2014 glows with an imperial purple. This is absolutely mouth-filling, with ripe, dark fruit. Beautifully balanced, this has a generous style without being plummy – long and very fine.” The review highlights Patrice Rion’s comparison of the 2014 vintage to a mix of 1979 and 1989 for its aromatic profile, emphasizing its elegance and quality.
- CellarTracker (Community Reviews): The wine averages 90.8 points from 7 community reviews. One reviewer noted an “attractive undergrowthy nose” but found the palate “thin and reedy” with prominent acidity, suggesting the wine might be in a closed phase. Another described a powerful nose with “dark berry aromas like meaty morello cherries, pickled cherries, and a hint of blackcurrant,” alongside earthy and spicy notes, with a concentrated palate, moderate acidity, and good tannin structure, though slightly subdued compared to the nose.
- Critical Note: Some variability in reviews suggests the 2014s may be in a transitional phase, with potential for further development. The wine’s concentration and structure are consistently praised, though its expression can vary by bottle or tasting condition.
Food Pairings
This Pinot Noir pairs excellently with a variety of dishes due to its vibrant acidity, fine tannins, and complex fruit profile. Recommended pairings include:
- Game and Venison: The wine’s earthy and savory notes complement the richness of game meats.
- Grilled and Roasted Meats: Its structure and spice enhance grilled steaks or roasted lamb.
- Mushroom-Based Dishes: The wine’s mineral and earthy undertones pair well with dishes like mushroom risotto or truffle-infused pasta.
- Soft Cheeses: A creamy brie or camembert balances the wine’s acidity and fruit intensity.
- Tomato-Based Dishes: The wine’s acidity harmonizes with lighter tomato sauces, such as those in pasta or ratatouille.
Drink Window
The 2014 Nuits-Saint-Georges 1er Cru Clos Saint Marc is noted for its aging potential, typical of the structured wines from this monopole.
- Recommended Drink Window: 2020–2030. The wine is likely approaching its peak but can continue to develop complexity, with tertiary notes like truffles and dried leaves emerging over time. Critics suggest it may still be slightly reserved, indicating further cellaring could enhance its expression.
Additional Notes
- Vineyard and Winemaking: Clos Saint Marc is a monopole owned by Domaine Michèle & Patrice Rion since 2005, previously held by Bouchard Père & Fils. The vineyard’s deep topsoil (up to 2 meters in parts) contributes to its powerful yet elegant style. Patrice Rion’s approach includes higher-trained vines for better ripening, two sorting tables for quality control, and a cuvaison of about three weeks with 30% new oak for the 2014 vintage, enhancing balance and fruit purity.
- Vintage Context: The 2014 vintage in Burgundy was challenging due to weather conditions but resulted in elegant, balanced wines with good acidity and moderate alcohol. Patrice Rion noted a normal-sized crop with healthy grapes, contributing to the wine’s quality.
- Critical Reflection: While the wine is highly regarded, some reviews suggest it may be in a closed phase or bottle-variable, which is common for Pinot Noir at this stage. Buyers should consider decanting or further cellaring to unlock its full potential.
