Domaine Leroy   Clos de la Roche Grand Cru

2008 Clos de la Roche Grand Cru

By Domaine Leroy

2008 Clos de la Roche Grand Cru from Domaine Leroy

In the pantheon of collectable Burgundy vintages, the 2008 Clos de la Roche Grand Cru from Domaine Leroy is hailed for its precision and vibrancy. The confluence of a cool, mature autumn with careful vineyard stewardship has birthed a wine whose pedigree is matched by a singular vintage expression.

 

Investment-Worthy Distinction

The hallmark of 2008 in Burgundy lies in the wines' striking lean texture underscored by firm acids—a distinction that sets it apart from both its predecessors and successors. In this context, the 2008 Clos de la Roche Grand Cru becomes an investment-worthy treasure. Domaine Leroy, never ceasing to fine-tune its craft, presents us with a structured yet lithely elegant symphony in a bottle.

 

The Character of 2008

Focused and intense, the aromatics of the 2008 vintage from Clos de la Roche are as enthralling as they are complex. There’s an exquisite tension between the dark cherry fruit profile and the mineral thrust that speaks directly to the wine's terroir. Oak is used here not as a crutch but as a subtle framing device, guiding but never overshadowing the natural lustre of the fruit.

On the palate, the wine unfurls layers of refined tannins and multi-dimensional flavours—hints of forest floor and anise intermingling with the aforementioned cherry core. The finish is long and decidedly nuanced, hinting at an extended potential for aging, suggesting investors seize upon these bottles as their value can only ascend with time.

In summary, the virtues of the 2008 Clos de la Roche Grand Cru are enshrined not only in its capacity for graceful maturation but also in its snapshot portrayal of a climatically quirky year for Burgundy—a boon for oenophilic investors with perspicacity. Domaine Leroy's rendition stands firmly among reasons to celebrate this season’s drinkable anthology.

Market price (HKD)

HK$434,680.00

12x75cl

Highest score

94

POP score

3247.86

Scores and tasting notes

94

After the amazing performance of its 2007 predecessor, I was especially keen to see what the Leroy 2008 Clos De La Roche held in store, especially given the energetic proclivities of its vintage. Cedar, quarry dust, and aromas of clean raw red meat ally themselves with intensely ripe cherry and black raspberry, which acquire a liqueur-like richness on a palate whose texture is as seamless as is the uncanny welding of distilled and confitured fruits, chalk and subtly oaky elements it manages to achieve. Here’s an instance, though, where 2007 beats 2008 at its own high-energy game. Still, this hauntingly-long 2008 is remarkable in its way, and doubtless poised to reveal further complexity to accompany its amazing richness over the next two decades. Lalou Bize-Leroy reports average 2008 Pinot Noir yields of 13 hectoliters per hectare, almost absurdly tiny even by her singular standards. Malos were a bit later than usual but were finished by summer, and the wines bottled – as usual – in December. Yet – also as usual – if their development was thereby in any way stunted, you certainly won’t detect it in the bottle today! The best of these display a sense of transparency; levity; and – even when rich and head-spinningly complex – a sheer sense of refreshment and invigoration that I have seldom encountered in other great wines from these sister estates. (Please note that my account of the complete 2007 red collection at Leroy was published in issue #189.) Importer: Martine’s Wines. Novato, CA; tel. (415) 883-040

David Schildknecht - The Wine Advocate, 28 June 2010

Vintage performance