2017 Domaine Follin-Arbelet Romanee-Saint-Vivant Grand Cru

The 2017 Domaine Follin-Arbelet Romanée-Saint-Vivant Grand Cru is a Pinot Noir from one of Vosne-Romanée’s most celebrated vineyards in Burgundy’s Côte de Nuits. The domaine’s approximately half-hectare parcel was planted in 1973 on clay-limestone soils, neighbouring holdings associated with Arnoux and Cathiard. Franck Follin’s approach centres on hand harvesting, careful sorting and destemming, followed by indigenous-yeast fermentation in open wooden vats. Slow barrel maturation precedes bottling without fining or filtration. This combination of an exceptional vineyard and patient cellar work produces a wine whose appeal rests on aromatic precision, fine texture and depth.

Expect fragrant red berries and cherry, with floral nuances, citrus lift and subtle spice developing around a concentrated core. Neal Martin awarded the 2017 Romanée-Saint-Vivant 96 Points for Vinous following a blind Burgfest tasting, praising its crystalline aromatic definition, supple tannins, balance and energetic finish. His assessment also noted that the oak needed further time to integrate. Justerini & Brooks similarly highlighted its velvety texture, intensity and underlying reserve. With around nine years since harvest, well-stored bottles may now be gaining greater aromatic complexity, although this remains a serious Grand Cru with scope for further development.