2018 Domaine de la Vougeraie Le Clos Blanc de Vougeot Monopole Premier Cru Vougeot 750 ml

In a neighborhood planted with some of the most expensive Pinot Noir on earth, there has to be a damn good reason why someone would grow white grapes.

Surrounded by Grand Cru giants like Clos de Vougeot and Le Musigny, Domaine de la Vougeraie’s Le Clos Blanc Premier Cru has continuously cultivated white grapes for close to a millennium. Somehow, the monks who started it all knew that this patch of land was ordained for white wine, and nobody has questioned that decision since the Cistercian order first planted the vineyard in the year 1110.

Today, this biodynamically farmed monopole is a wine of legend and a staple of MICHELIN-starred restaurants all over France. Vinous said Domaine de la Vougeraie makes “some of the most impeccable, polished” bottles in Burgundy. Wine Advocate once said, “It is impossible to miss the attention to detail at this impeccably run domaine.” 

The meaning of “Clos Blanc” is twofold: Only white grapes are grown there, and its chalky soils are also quite white. Though the monks likely sowed the Gouais Blanc grape here nearly a millennium ago, Chardonnay dominates Clos Blanc today, supplemented by smaller percentages of Pinot Gris and Pinot Blanc.

Only six acres are under vine here—which means there are less than 1,500 cases for the world. In 2018, a legendary vintage Decanter that suggested could “rival the mythical 1947,” Vougeraie crafted this wine from 22- to 35-year-old vines. It sports aromas of Amalfi lemon peel and layers of honeysuckle and mandarin blossom wrapped in citron, a hint of hazelnut, and spice. 

The 2018 Le Clos Blanc Premier Cru delivers an unparalleled experience every time.