2018 Domaine du Clos de Tart La Forge de Tart Premier Cru

The 2018 Domaine du Clos de Tart La Forge de Tart Premier Cru is a richly expressive red Burgundy from one of the most storied estates in Morey-Saint-Denis. Crafted primarily from Pinot Noir and drawn from just 0.68 hectares of select parcels, it offers a seductive combination of depth, refinement and energy in the glass. As the Premier Cru “younger sibling” to the legendary Clos de Tart Grand Cru, La Forge de Tart delivers serious pedigree and complexity while remaining approachable in its youth.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, the 2018 La Forge de Tart shows a deep, vibrant ruby color with youthful purple highlights, hinting at both concentration and freshness. The nose is immediately inviting, marked by dark, ripe fruit: black cherry, plum and cassis, intertwined with sweet baking spices, a touch of clove and star anise, and a savory thread of black olive and subtle earth. With air, delicate floral tones and a whisper of fine oak emerge, adding further nuance. On the palate the wine is full and layered, yet remarkably poised. Dark fruit flavors echo the nose—black cherry, blackberry and damson—wrapped in a core of supple, velvety tannins. The 50% new oak is beautifully integrated, lending hints of cocoa, vanilla and toast without overwhelming the wine’s purity. There is a clear sense of concentration, but also lift, with bright acidity carrying the flavors through a long, energetic, mineral-tinged finish. Drinking beautifully now with some aeration, this 2018 also has the structure and balance to evolve gracefully over 10–15 years, gaining complexity and tertiary notes of forest floor, truffle and dried flowers.

Production
La Forge de Tart Premier Cru is sourced from three small parcels totaling just 0.68 hectares in the heart of Morey-Saint-Denis, within Burgundy’s famed Côte de Nuits. The vines are rooted in classic Burgundian limestone-clay soils, which confer finesse, minerality and tension to the naturally generous 2018 fruit. The growing season was marked by a mild, wet winter and spring that built up substantial water reserves, followed by a warm, dry summer that ensured complete, even ripening. Grapes were harvested early, between August 30 and September 3, with careful, hand-picking to preserve optimal fruit condition and aromatic purity. In the cellar, the must is vinified with great precision to highlight Pinot Noir’s elegance and site expression, followed by élevage in French oak barrels, 50% of which are new. This judicious use of new oak brings structure and complexity while allowing the character of the vintage and terroir to shine through.

Food & Serving
This Premier Cru Burgundy is an excellent companion to refined, savory dishes that mirror its depth and elegance. Think roast duck with cherry or plum glaze, venison or lamb with wild mushrooms, guinea fowl, or slow-braised beef cheeks. It also pairs beautifully with game birds, truffled poultry, and earthy vegetarian dishes such as mushroom risotto, roasted root vegetables, or lentils with herbs and pancetta. Serve at 15–17°C to showcase the wine’s aromatic lift and textural finesse. For current drinking, decanting for 45–60 minutes is recommended to open up the bouquet and soften the structure; as the wine ages, a gentler, shorter decant will help separate any sediment while preserving delicate mature aromas.

Producer
Domaine du Clos de Tart is one of Burgundy’s true icons, famed for its monopole Grand Cru vineyard in Morey-Saint-Denis, whose documented history stretches back to the 12th century and the Cistercian nuns of Tart. Over the centuries, this single, walled clos has built a reputation for producing profound, long-lived Pinot Noir of remarkable depth and character. La Forge de Tart represents the estate’s Premier Cru expression, crafted with the same meticulous standards as the Grand Cru but offering a more immediately accessible style. Under modern stewardship, the domaine has become a benchmark for the Côte de Nuits, consistently earning critical acclaim for its precision in the vineyard, thoughtful use of oak and unwavering commitment to expressing its unique terroir with both power and finesse.

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