2011 Clos St Denis
By Domaine Dujac
2011 Clos St Denis from Domaine Dujac, Grand Cru, Burgundy, France
Amidst the patchwork of grandiose vineyards that grace Burgundy, the vintage of 2011 in Clos St Denis stood out as notably unique. This was a year that tested the mettle of Burgundian viticulture, presenting a season marked by its trials and ultimate triumphs that Domaine Dujac navigated with consummate artistry.
A Vintage of Precision and Harmony
Across Burgundy, 2011 delivered intriguing challenges; an early start to the growing season led to an August harvest, one of the earliest on record. Yet, it is the harvest under duress that often yields the most remarkable fruits, and this holds true for the 2011 Clos St Denis from Domaine Dujac. It reveals a tapestry of sensory delights: velvety in texture, with an articulate array of red and black fruits that dance amid whispers of earthy underbrush and subtle spice.
A Resilient Year for Astute Investors
The investment landscape for fine wines admires resilience and poise within the bottle—a narrative deftly woven into each sip of this grand cru. Furthermore, Domaine Dujac’s steadfast commitment to biodynamic principles allows the terroir of Clos St Denis to speak with clarity and sincerity through this particular vintage. In 2011, they coaxed each cluster to its fullest expression—an accomplishment that lends itself well to the portfolios of discerning collectors.
Investors take note: while 2011 may not have garnered the initial fanfare of some surrounding years, time has favored this vintage, inviting a reassessment of its potential. The 2011 Clos St Denis from Domaine Dujac reflects this sentiment profoundly—a poised balance between finesse and structure that will reward patient cellaring.
In summation, this exemplary offering from Domaine Dujac captures a snapshot in time where adversity begets elegance—a splendid addition for those looking to diversify their compilation through calculated vintages offering an encore performance with age.
Market price (GBP)
£6,240.00
12x75cl
Highest score
92
POP score
520
Scores and tasting notes
The 2011 Clos Saint Denis Grand Cru is missing a little cohesion on the nose, rather loose-knit with broody, stony red berry fruit. Fortunately, it begins to come together with rigorous swirling of the glass and musters much better focus. The palate is medium-bodied with quite chalky tannins on the entry. There is a fine core of red cherries, pomegranate and attractive saline notes toward the masculine finish. It is more approachable than other vintages that I have tasted at this stage, but it deserves three or four years in bottle because there is a lot of potential here. Drink 2015-2025. I have been visiting Jeremy and Alec Seysses at Domaine Dujac for several years now, and it is always one of my favorite ports of call. Alec, looking surprisingly chipper for a new dad had taken time off nappy duty to guide me through the 2011s this year. I have to confess that I was concerned by the conspicuous nature of the new oak on both their negociant label wines and the entry Village Crus. I felt that 35% new oak tended to overwhelm the fruit and terroir and occasionally impart drying finishes, which is why my scores are parsimonious here. As I tasted through the range toward the flock of Grand Crus the oak seemed better assimilated, although I would still maintain that the wine is of such quality that the present level of oak risks being superfluous to requirements. All the negociant label wines were bottled before Christmas. Importers: The Sorting Table, Napa, CA; tel. (415) 491-4724; Chambers & Chambers Wine Merchants, San Francisco, CA; tel. (415) 642-5500
Neal Martin - The Wine Advocate, 28 August 2013