Vincent Girardin Clos De Vougeot 2021 750ml

Vincent Girardin's interpretation of the legendary Clos de Vougeot in the challenging 2021 vintage showcases this négociant's exceptional ability to source and vinify fruit from Burgundy's most prestigious sites. This Grand Cru, with its complex tapestry of soils and expositions within the ancient walled vineyard, here reveals itself through Girardin's lens of precision and purity.

The bouquet immediately captivates with its crystalline clarity - a hallmark of both the 2021 vintage and Girardin's winemaking philosophy. Bright red cherry and wild raspberry aromas are accented by delicate floral notes of iris and violet, while deeper inhalations reveal complex undertones of black tea, forest floor, and a distinctive wet stone minerality. The cooler vintage has produced a wine of exceptional aromatic precision, where each element remains distinct yet contributes to a harmonious whole.

On the palate, this Clos de Vougeot demonstrates remarkable finesse and energy. The initial impression is one of vibrant red fruit - cranberry, redcurrant, and blood orange - supported by a framework of fine-grained tannins that provide structure without weight. What's particularly impressive is how Girardin has managed to capture concentration and depth despite the vintage's challenges. The texture is silky and refined, with a weightlessness that belies the wine's underlying power.

The mid-palate reveals layers of complexity that elevate this beyond simple fruit expression. Notes of white pepper, cinnamon, and star anise mingle with hints of graphite and iron, creating a savory counterpoint to the bright fruit. There's also a subtle smokiness, perhaps from careful oak management, that adds depth without overwhelming the wine's essential character. The natural high acidity of the vintage provides both freshness and structure, suggesting this wine will evolve beautifully over time.

What distinguishes Girardin's approach is the emphasis on transparency and terroir expression. Rather than attempting to mask the vintage's character through heavy extraction or excessive oak, he has embraced its natural elegance and precision. The result is a Clos de Vougeot that speaks clearly of both its prestigious origins and the unique conditions of 2021 - a wine of real intellectual interest that rewards careful attention.

The finish is remarkably long and nuanced, with echoes of spice, mineral, and pure fruit that linger impressively. This is a wine that pairs beautifully with classic Burgundian cuisine - coq au vin, beef bourguignon, or wild mushroom dishes - but also possesses the complexity to stand alone as a meditation on great terroir. While approachable now for its purity and elegance, this wine has all the elements necessary for graceful evolution over the next decade and beyond.