Word of the Week: Clos

Clos de Tart. Clos Vougeot. Clos du Mesnil. Beyond being three of the most fabled vineyards in the whole of France, or even the world, they’re also all bound by stone walls. The French word “clos” literally translates to “enclosed,” and in wine the term refers to a walled vineyard. While not all of the centuries-old walls survive today, historically the barriers served to protect several of the most prized vineyard sites from both robbery and the elements, trapping in heat and blockading harsh winds. The term is typically associated with Burgundy and Champagne , where vineyards such as Clos de la Roche, Clos Vougeot, Clos de Tart, and Clos du Mesnil count among the most pedigreed and expensive fruit sources in the regions. Nonetheless, you’ll find clos throughout France and beyond. Alsace’s Grand Cru Rosacker vineyard is home to the celebrated Clos Ste. Hune parcel, which lends its name to Trimbach’s iconic wine, and St. Émilion’s Clos Fourtet is one of a handful of famous clos in Bordeaux . A great number of 20th century vintners in Catalonia’s Priorat - including Clos Erasmus, Clos Mogador, and Clos Martinet - have also adopted the term, drawing further comparison to their French influences.

Krug

Clos du Mesnil Brut Blanc de Blancs Champagne Chardonnay 2002

A dazzling nose of fresh, bright white flowers and a steely undertow with flint. The palate is intense, with bright tight fruit and powerful but brilliant acidity. This is amazing stuff- still very young. Great stuff- for the ages — 7 years ago

LM, Ceccherini and 23 others liked this

Clos Fourtet

Saint-Émilion Red Bordeaux Blend 2014

Mmm, this bottle brings me back to St. Emilion, one of the prettiest cities to walk around and take in the surroundings. Just outside the city wall sits Clos Fourtet where we spent a beautiful evening dining with the owners and winemakers of about 12 different Chateau on the right bank of Bordeaux. This bottle brought me back there.

After a 3 hr decant, the nose was beautifully perfumed with kirsch, red currant, black cherry, and a whif of smoke and charcoal. The palate is really fresh and lively, especially for being so young. The red currant and black cherry sing together harmoniously, with a perfectly balanced mouthfeel and just slight tannins. The sweet red fruit and touch of minerality continually lure you in for more. This has a long life ahead of it due to its beautiful balance, but it is a fine drink right now as well.
— 7 years ago

Matt, Saman and 8 others liked this

Domaine Dujac

Clos de la Roche Grand Cru Pinot Noir 2013

Steve Matthiasson
9.4

Seamless, broad, soft, fresh savory characters, dark fruits, the perfect work in the vineyards and cellar carry through this wine — 9 years ago

Larry, Alicia and 34 others liked this
jason carey DipWSET

jason carey DipWSET

Lifestyles of.the.rich.and.famous

Domaine Gros Frère et Sœur

"Musigni" Clos Vougeot Grand Cru Pinot Noir 2011

In a great drinking window at the moment. The edges have been smoothed out but it’s still very fresh. Red fruit, dark cherries, with just a hint of tertiary aromas. Wish I had another bottle to revisit in 5 more years. — 7 years ago

Mike, Amr and 2 others liked this

Clos Mogador

Priorat Red Blend 2013

After the amazing 01 I rushed out & grabbed a case of 2013 @ £65 each - 98RP 😁 Wow it's beautiful now but give this 10+yrs & you have a fab priced 96-99 wine in the making 😍 28k bottles so buy 👍

🍇 49% Grenache, 25% Carignan, 10% Cab S & 16% Syrah

🍷 Opaque ruby w/ purple hue

👃 Rich mocha infused spiced dark cherry/berry bang w/ minerals, pencil lead, herbs & crushed violets

👄 Full bodied ripe creamy dark berry/cherry oozy chocy mocha infused boom

🎯 Long deep dark fruits & cocoa linger
— 7 years ago

Anthony, Severn and 23 others liked this
David T

David T Influencer Badge

Chris, if you can find their white Grenache blend it’s worth picking up? Quite unique.
David T

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Oh...it’s called Nelin.
Chris England

Chris England

@David T thanks for that I’ll definitely take a look 👍😉🍷

Domaine des Lambrays

Clos des Lambrays Grand Cru Pinot Noir 2005

Donald Patz
9.5

Beautiful in every way. Perfumed exotic aromas. Sleek and delicious flavors. Drink over the next 10+ years — 10 years ago

Sung Park
with Sung
Michael, TC and 12 others liked this
Kurt-Inge Eklund

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Must have been awesome!

Trimbach

Clos Ste. Hune Alsace Riesling 2011

Apricot gold color. Almost smells like diesel at first, and then as it opens up you get lemon zest and citrus. Dry but not bone dry. Good now but will be much more interesting in 25 years — 7 years ago

Doreen AradJon Aker
with Doreen and Jon
Ryan, James and 5 others liked this

Château de La Tour

Clos Vougeot Grand Cru Pinot Noir 2013

Mix of juicy dark fruit layers. Plums, cherries, currants, lots of spices, violet, and mineral notes throughout. Very fine and elegant and approachable. Avg. vine age 67 years. — 8 years ago

Domaine du Clos de Tart

Monopole Grand Cru Pinot Noir 2013

The usual phrase "great properties make great wines in difficult vintages" applies here. — 8 years ago

Swanky, David and 19 others liked this

Domaine Marquis d'Angerville

Clos des Ducs Monopole Volnay 1er Cru Pinot Noir 2008

Morgan Harris
9.7

As Clive Coates would say, "Very fine, indeed." In a great spot right now, just bursting with character. Thanks, Jordan! Throwback to last Saturday. — 10 years ago

Jordan Salcito
with Jordan
Marc, Bryan and 15 others liked this
Bryan Garcia

Bryan Garcia Influencer Badge

Love '08s @ D'Angerville