Description
The wine
The Clos Vougeot is one of the most famous vineyards in the world and one of the most variable. Fifty hectares enclosed by medieval stone walls, divided among more than 80 owners — the quality difference between a parcel near the château at the top of the slope and one near the road at the bottom is considerable. Position within the Clos matters enormously.
Yann Charlopin farms a parcel in the upper section — the best-drained, most concentrated zone of the enclosure, where the shallow soils over limestone bedrock produce Pinot Noir of real depth and structure. His approach is consistent with everything he does at the domaine: organic farming, hand-harvested, fully destemmed, cold maceration before spontaneous fermentation. Aged 18 months in barrel from François Frères — 75 to 100% new oak, carefully selected, harmoniously integrated into the wine’s structure rather than dominating it. No filtration.
The 2020 vintage produced Clos Vougeot of exceptional concentration and depth. A warm, generous growing season gave natural ripeness and extract — but in the upper section of the Clos, the well-drained limestone soils kept the wine focused and structured rather than overripe. The result is a wine that needs time and rewards patience. Wild strawberry, raspberry, and sour cherry on the nose, with malt, liquorice, undergrowth, and the firm mineral backbone of the Vougeot terroir. Firm tannins that are already beginning to soften. A wine with real ageing potential — drink from 2027 through 2040.
A magnum ages more slowly and more gracefully than a 750ml. For a wine of this quality and this vintage, it is the right format.
Vineyard & vintage details
Producer: Domaine Charlopin-Tissier
Appellation: Clos Vougeot Grand Cru AOC
Grape: 100% Pinot Noir
Parcel: Upper section of Clos Vougeot
Soil: Limestone and clay
Farming: Organic
Harvest: Hand-harvested · fully destemmed
Vinification: Cold pre-fermentation maceration · spontaneous fermentation · native yeasts
Élevage: 18 months in barrel · 75–100% new oak · François Frères cooperage
Fining / Filtration: Unfined · unfiltered
Vintage: 2020
Stock: 1 magnum available
2020 vintage note
2020 was a warm, generous vintage across the Côte de Nuits — excellent growing conditions with natural ripeness and good phenolic maturity. For a Grand Cru site like Clos Vougeot, where the upper section’s well-drained limestone soils are at their best in warmer years, 2020 produced wines of exceptional concentration and ageing potential. The wines are approachable now with decanting but will reward cellaring for ten to fifteen years.
Tasting notes
Deep ruby, almost opaque at the centre. Wild strawberry, raspberry, and sour cherry on the nose alongside malt, liquorice, clove, and undergrowth — the complexity of a serious Grand Cru. The palate has real power and concentration — firm, ripe tannins, electrifying tension, and a mineral backbone from the limestone beneath. The new oak is present but harmoniously integrated, adding depth without imposing. Very long finish with a dark mineral quality. Decant for at least two hours if opening now. Drink 2027–2040.
Service: 17°C after decanting. Roast duck, beef with morel mushrooms, game birds, aged hard cheeses.
Yann Charlopin founded Domaine Charlopin-Tissier in 2013 — son of Philippe Charlopin, mentored by Jean-Marie Fourrier. Organic farming, fully destemmed, cold maceration, no filtration. The wines appear on the lists of The French Laundry, Quince, SingleThread, and Les 110 de Taillevent in Paris.
