Domaine Leroy   Clos de la Roche Grand Cru

2000 Clos de la Roche Grand Cru

By Domaine Leroy

2000 Clos de la Roche Grand Cru from Domaine Leroy, Burgundy, France

Behold a monumental vintage from one of Burgundy's indomitable bastions, the 2000 Clos de la Roche Grand Cru from Domaine Leroy. The turn of the millennium conferred upon this renowned estate an opportunity to capture the unique climactic essence in a bottle, something which they achieved with aplomb.

 

A Vintage Synonymous with Elegance and Structure

As the seasons danced through the year 2000, Burgundy's vineyards were subjected to nature's generosity and unpredictability. A mild winter was followed by an early spring, setting the vines off to a vigorous start. A warm summer with well-timed rains ensured that the grapes attained optimal ripeness while retaining their illustrious acidity - a critical component of the remarkable longevity that characterises this vintage. This climactic ballet transposed into a wine with striking balance, a testament to the expert stewardship of Domaine Leroy.

 

The Embodiment of Clos de la Roche Terroir

This 2000 Clos de la Roche Grand Cru nestles within the glass as a dark ruby treasure, exuding aromas that can only be attributed to the confluence of precise viticulture and ambient vintage conditions. On first approach, it delivers a cascade of black fruits mingled with earthy undertones and subtle hints of spice – reflective of its Grand Cru pedigree. The palate follows through with intense yet polished tannins, and a silky texture that weaves layers of complexity throughout an enduring finish.

 

An Exemplar for Fine Wine Investors

For those inclined towards nurturing a collection of unparalleled investment-grade wines, the 2000 Clos de la Roche Grand Cru from Domaine Leroy offers an attractive proposition. It represents not merely an exquisite snapshot of terroir but also stands as one among Burgundy’s lilting choruses – one that will undoubtedly grow richer and more compelling with time.

In summation, the 2000 vintage captures the harmonious interplay of Domaine Leroy's meticulous winemaking approach alongside nature's own oscillations. It is no exaggeration to state that those who appreciate wine at its most profound will find great pleasure and astute investment in securing this profound expression of Burgundy’s heartland.

Current market price

£116,850.00

12x75cl

Highest score

93

POP score

8988.46

Scores and tasting notes

93

Subtle notes of cheese rinds are interspersed with sweet black cherries in the complex aromatics of the 2000 Clos de la Roche. An extracted, medium to full-bodied wine of exceptional concentration, it boasts copious quantities of stony black fruits, and a powerful, muscular character. Its firm yet astonishingly long finish reveals some stemmy, woody tannin, a characteristic which kept its score from being higher. Projected maturity: 2005-2012. Madame Lalou Bize-Leroy liked both the 2000 and 2001 vintages, stating that she was “rather pleased with the 2001s as they will bring lots of joy to those who drink them young” and that the 2000s “are candied fruit, reduction of fruit, the essence of fruit.” Many Burgundians chose to bottle their 2001 early in order to “trap” the fruit in the bottle, but Bize-Leroy beat them all to the punch, having completed the bottling process by early September, 2002. Typically an early bottler, Mme. Bize-Leroy felt that the 2001s would lose their fruit to either oxidation or the required sulfuring if left in the barrel for a longer elevage. Overall, Domaine Leroy’s 2001s are a success, though many were found to reveal stemmy, woody tannin in their finishes. If this characteristic melts away quickly, my scores on those wines will appear overly conservative. Importer: Martine’s Wines, San Raphael, CA; tel. (415) 883-0400

Pierre Rovani - The Wine Advocate, 29 June 2003

Vintage performance