Domaine De Villaine Cloux Rully 2020 750ml
DescriptionDomaine de Villaine's monopole 'Les Cloux' in Rully represents one of Burgundy's most thoughtful producers working with a perfectly situated vineyard in the Côte Chalonnaise. The 2020 vintage, with its ideal balance of ripeness and freshness, has produced a wine that demonstrates why this monopole is considered among Rully's finest terroirs, offering complexity that rivals many more famous appellations.
The nose immediately captivates with its precision and depth. The 2020 vintage's perfect conditions are evident in the harmonious blend of ripe citrus and white stone fruit - lemon curd, white peach, and a hint of apricot. What distinguishes Les Cloux is its distinctive mineral signature, expressing itself as wet chalk, crushed shells, and a subtle smoky quality. The biodynamic viticulture employed by de Villaine seems to enhance the aromatic complexity, with delicate floral notes and fresh herbs adding layers of interest.
On the palate, this wine transcends typical expectations for Rully. The texture is simultaneously rich and precise, with the kind of concentration that comes from old vines and meticulous viticulture. The 2020 vintage's ideal balance is perfectly expressed - ripe fruit flavors are matched by vibrant acidity that keeps everything fresh and dynamic. The monopole's privileged position contributes both depth and elegance, creating a wine of unusual completeness for the appellation.
The influence of Aubert de Villaine's philosophy - the same approach that guides Domaine de la Romanée-Conti - is evident throughout. The emphasis on terroir expression over winemaking intervention has allowed Les Cloux to speak with unusual clarity. Mid-palate, complex layers unfold: white truffle, toasted almonds, a hint of honey, and that persistent mineral thread. The oak is perfectly integrated, adding structure and subtle complexity without masking the site's character.
What makes this 2020 exceptional is how it captures both the vintage's generosity and the precision that comes from great terroir farmed with dedication. This is not merely good Rully but a wine that demonstrates the potential of Burgundy's lesser-known appellations when ambition meets opportunity. The combination of the vintage quality, the monopole's terroir, and de Villaine's expertise has created something truly special.
The finish is remarkably long and complex, with waves of fruit, mineral, and subtle spice notes that continue to evolve. This wine pairs beautifully with refined cuisine - seafood in butter sauces, roasted poultry, or dishes featuring wild mushrooms. While showing beautifully now thanks to the vintage's balance, it has the structure and concentration to age gracefully for another decade or more. For those seeking to understand how great producers can elevate humble appellations, this Les Cloux provides a masterful example.
