Description
🏰 【 Winery Legend: Domaine Henri Rebourseau 】
In the rich tapestry of Burgundy's history, Domaine Henri Rebourseau stands as a name steeped in military heritage and legendary terroir. Founded in 1894 by General Henri Rebourseau, a veteran of the First World War, the domaine established its headquarters in Gevrey-Chambertin. Over the century, the estate amassed an astonishing portfolio of Grand Cru vineyards, notably holding a massive 2.21 hectares within Clos de Vougeot, making them one of the largest owners in this illustrious appellation. In 2018, the domaine entered a modern era following its acquisition by the Bouygues brothers (owners of Château Montrose). However, this 2009 vintage represents the pure, unadulterated "old regime" under the de Surrel family. It is a time capsule of a fiercely traditional, uncompromisingly rustic winemaking era—an authentic piece of Burgundy history before the polishing touch of modern corporate investment.
🌿 【 Terroir & Winemaking 】
The domaine's 2.21-hectare holding in Clos de Vougeot spans the middle and upper sections of the Grand Cru. The terroir transitions from shallow, rocky Jurassic limestone at the top to deeper, iron-rich clay soils further down the slope, imparting exceptional complexity to the wine. During the 2009 era, the estate followed a rigorously old-school philosophy. The Pinot Noir underwent extended maceration and fermentation, often with a significant proportion of whole clusters, extracting massive tannins and structure. The use of new oak was strictly minimal, allowing the wine to mature slowly in their cold, historic cellars. This ancient method forged wines with a formidable, iron-clad skeleton—wines notoriously austere in their youth, demanding decades of patience to reveal their true profoundness.
📅 【 Vintage Analysis & Critical Ratings 】
The 2009 vintage is universally celebrated as a "solar year" in Burgundy. A mild spring followed by a hot, dry summer and a brilliantly sunny September allowed the grapes to achieve optimal phenolic ripeness. This warm, opulent vintage was the perfect antidote to Domaine Henri Rebourseau’s traditionally austere style. The sun-drenched, fleshy fruit generously wrapped around the domaine's signature rigid tannins, making the wine far more accessible than in cooler years. Through strict verification, specific commercial scores from major critics (WA/BH) for this exact cuvée in 2009 are not widely published due to the estate's under-the-radar profile at the time. However, the vintage itself is critically acclaimed.
🏅 Score: N/A for this specific cuvee. / Vintage assessment by Allen Meadows (Burghound):
"The 2009s are remarkably rich, ripe and highly seductive wines that will provide much pleasure over the near to mid-term but have the stuffing to age."
「2009年份展現出非凡的濃郁、成熟與極具誘惑力的特質，能在中短期內提供極大的愉悅感，同時也具備陳年的實力。」
🍷 【 Tasting Notes 】
👃 Nose: After more than a decade of cellaring, the opulent 2009 fruit has evolved into profound tertiary complexity. It opens with a core of dark cherries and ripe plums, swiftly followed by Clos de Vougeot’s signature earthy aromas—damp soil, worn leather, roasted meats, and nuances of dried wild mushrooms and cigar box.
👅 Palate: The palate still showcases the solid structural framework of old-school Burgundy, but the sweet, ripe fruit of 2009 beautifully tempers the austerity. Full-bodied and muscular, the once-rustic tannins have melted into a chewy, powdery texture. The mid-palate delivers a surge of blackberry compote and licorice, supported by an acidity that, while not razor-sharp, maintains brilliant balance.
✨ Finish: Deep and immensely persistent. The finish lingers with intense earthy minerality, forest floor, and a captivating savory, iron-like resonance.
🍽️ 【 Serving Guide 】
🌡️ Serving Temperature: 16°C - 18°C. This allows the muscular body and complex tertiary aromas to unfold fully.
⌛ Decanting: Given its robust, traditional DNA, decanting for 1 to 1.5 hours is strongly recommended to wake up the fruit and further soften the resolved but firm tannins.
⏳ Drinking Window: It has now entered a glorious drinking peak and possesses the structural integrity to evolve beautifully until 2035 and beyond.
🍴 Food Pairing: Exceptional with rich, fatty meats and hearty sauces. Pair it with classic Boeuf Bourguignon, roasted rack of lamb, venison, or mature hard cheeses.
💬 【 Manager's Pick 】
⚡ This 2009 Henri Rebourseau Clos de Vougeot is a true living fossil of classic, uncompromising Burgundy! Since the massive 2018 corporate buyout, the domaine's style has completely modernized. But this 2009 bottle perfectly captures the raw, rustic power of the old de Surrel family era. The brilliance of the 2009 solar vintage provides incredible ripe fruit that flawlessly tames the traditionally iron-hard tannins of this estate. It is drinking spectacularly right now, offering profound earthy complexity. Extremely rare to find the "old regime" in such a pristine vintage. A mandatory addition for any serious collector looking to experience authentic Burgundy history! ⚡
⚠️ 【 Disclaimer 】 The above information is for reference only. Actual tasting experiences may vary based on storage conditions and personal preferences. We strive for accuracy, but please refer to official releases for final confirmation.
