Domaine Leroy   Clos de la Roche Grand Cru

2009 Clos de la Roche Grand Cru

By Domaine Leroy

2009 Clos de la Roche Grand Cru from Domaine Leroy, Burgundy, France

The 2009 vintage in Burgundy was a narrative of favourable meteorological fortune and diligent viticulture, leading to wines imbued with both richness and structure. It is within this canvas that the 2009 Clos de la Roche Grand Cru from Domaine Leroy articulates its intricate storyline. A compelling plot that further dignifies Domaine Leroy's already illustrious tapestry in the tapestried realm of fine Burgundian winemaking.

 

The Vivid Tapestry of an Exceptional Vintage

Tasting the 2009 Clos de la Roche Grand Cru reveals a seductive array of ripe cherry and dark berry fruits, caressing a foundation seasoned with earthy undertones, a signature expression of this Grand Cru's stony terroir. It's here, in the congruence of opulent fruit with that grounding mineral complexity, that one discerns the mastery of Domaine Leroy's craft and the particular distinction of this specific year.

 

A Creation Born from Harmonic Conditions

The weather patterns of 2009—markedly warm days bookended by cooler nights—cradled the pinot noir grapes to an impeccable ripeness while preserving their essential acidity. This oscillation between diurnal temperatures constructed a latticework on which the 2009 Clos de la Roche Grand Cru could project its now renowned vivacity and longevity.

The tannins, cultured and integrated, speak of a wine that, whilst offering abundant pleasure in its youth, has unfolded magnificently over time. Now presenting a more complex and ethereal elegance—a metamorphosis catalysed by exacting cellaring conditions—it manifests as a beacon for discerning fine wine investors.

Domaine Leroy’s practised patience and exceptional vineyard stewardship have conjured from the climatic benevolence of 2009 a vintage that confidently struts across the palatal stage; it is a profound example of what Clos de la Roche can bestow when stars align in both sky and soil.

 

Investment Elegance in a Bottle

One cannot escape the allure that the 2009 Clos de la Roche Grand Cru from Domaine Leroy possesses for the wine investor. With its balance between immediate drinkability and potential for further maturation, this wine asserts itself as an integral fragment in any comprehensive portfolio. Interwoven into its very essence is the essence of Burgundy’s lasting tradition—a facet that continues to dazzle collectors and enthusiasts alike.

In summary, this Canticle of climatic serendipity coupled with Domaine Leroy's unwavering dedication to quality renders the 2009 Clos de la Roche Grand Cru a tour de force in the landscape of Burgundian enology. A protagonist among vintages, with a tale that will echo with maybe even more verve as it gracefully ages—a narrative every keen investor should be eager to capture.

Current market price

£88,200.00

12x75cl

Highest score

94

POP score

6300

Scores and tasting notes

94

The 2009 Clos de la Roche sits on the razors’ edge of opulence. Here the profile gravitates towards the black end of the spectrum. Leather, licorice and sweet spices add complexity and dimension as the wine fills out its broad-shouldered frame. Elegance takes a back seat to sheer power and muscle here. It will be interesting to see how much, if at all, bottle age might be able to tame some of the wine’s more virile leanings. Anticipated maturity: 2019-2039. This was my first opportunity to taste the 2009s from Domaine Leroy in bottle. Lalou Bize-Leroy was among the first, if not the first, to bottle her 2009s, so she naturally wanted to give the wines some time to recover before showing them. The wines are stunning. Readers who have an opportunity to taste them should not hesitate. As always, the style is one of textural richness and depth, but the2009s appear to have excellent underlying material as well. The attention to every detail at the Domaine is quite evident in these thrilling wines. My visit ended with a sample of the 2010 Chambertin from barrel. Why not go straight to the top? If that wine is representative of the year, Leroy fans will have another superb vintage to look forward to, although yields will be lower than the already minuscule production. Importer: Martine’s Wines. Novato, CA; tel. (415) 883-040

Antonio Galloni - The Wine Advocate, 29 September 2011

Vintage performance