Henri Prudhon & Fils Les Rouges-Gorges Saint-Aubin 1er Cru 2018
There is fine volume and solid density to the delicious medium-bodied flavors that possess a lovely texture and better-balance on the lingering finale.
Producer
Country
Region
Sub Region
Côte de Beaune
Classification
Premier Cru
Appellation
Vintage
2018
Wine Type
Grape(s)
Alcohol %
Bottle Size
Location
Henri Prudhon & Fils Les Rouges-Gorges Saint-Aubin 1er Cru 2018
A captivating red wine, embodying the elegance and complexity that Burgundy’s premier crus are celebrated for. Sourced from the esteemed vineyards of Combes and Sentier du Clou in Saint-Aubin, this Pinot Noir offers a sensory experience that delights from the first sip to the last.
In the glass, the wine reveals a vibrant ruby red color, hinting at the richness within. The nose is immediately enticing, with aromas of ripe red berries, including raspberry, cherry, and wild strawberry, mingling with subtle floral notes of violet and rose petal. There’s also a delicate hint of earthiness and spice, with touches of clove and a whisper of leather, suggesting a nuanced complexity.
On the palate, the wine opens up beautifully, delivering a harmonious balance of juicy acidity and silky tannins. The fruit flavors are fresh and vivid, showcasing a core of red berry compote with layers of cranberry, pomegranate, and red currant. As the wine evolves, secondary notes of dried herbs, forest floor, and a hint of smokiness come into play, adding depth and intrigue.
The mouthfeel is both supple and succulent, with a lovely texture that caresses the palate. There’s a refreshing crispness to the wine’s acidity that keeps it lively and balanced, while the finish is elegant and mildly raspy, leaving a lasting impression of its delicate structure and refined tannins.
The it pairs exquisitely with a variety of dishes, particularly those that feature rich, savory flavors. Think of roast duck with a cherry glaze, beef bourguignon, or herb-crusted lamb. The wine’s bright acidity and complex profile also make it a great match for mushroom risotto or a charcuterie board with aged cheeses.
With a bit of aging, this wine is expected to develop even greater depth, revealing more of its mineral undertones and evolving into an even more complex and rewarding experience. Whether enjoyed now or savored after a few years in the cellar, this Saint-Aubin premier cru is a testament to the artistry and dedication of Henri Prudhon & Fils.
The vineyards of Henri Prudhon & Fils are nestled in the heart of Saint-Aubin, a small village in the Côte de Beaune subregion of Burgundy. The vineyards for the Les Rouges-Gorges 1er Cru are situated on slopes with southwest and southeast exposures, ensuring ample sunlight and ideal growing conditions for the Pinot Noir grapes. The soils here are primarily clay and limestone, which contribute to the unique mineral character of the wine. The vines, aged between 40 and 60 years, are meticulously tended to by hand, ensuring that only the best grapes are harvested.
The harvest typically occurs in late September to early October, when the grapes have reached optimal ripeness. The grapes are picked by hand, ensuring that only the highest quality fruit makes it to the winery. Once at the winery, the grapes undergo a rigorous sorting process to remove any imperfect fruit.
The fermentation process begins with a cold maceration period lasting about 10 to 12 days. During this time, the grapes are gently crushed and allowed to sit at low temperatures. This step is crucial for extracting the vibrant colors, rich flavors, and supple tannins from the grape skins. The fermentation itself takes place in stainless steel vats, where natural yeasts are allowed to work their magic, converting the sugars into alcohol.
Following fermentation, the wine is transferred to oak barrels for aging. The choice of barrels is critical to the final character of the wine. For the Les Rouges-Gorges 1er Cru, Henri Prudhon & Fils uses a mix of new and old oak barrels, with a very small percentage of new oak to ensure a subtle and balanced oak influence. The aging process lasts 15 to 18 months, during which the wine undergoes several stages of development.
During this time, the wine benefits from the slow oxidation that occurs through the pores of the oak barrels, allowing it to develop greater complexity and depth. The oak imparts subtle notes of vanilla, spice, and a hint of smokiness, which complement the primary fruit flavors. Additionally, the wine is periodically racked, meaning it is transferred from one barrel to another to help clarify and stabilize it.
Henri Prudhon born in Saint-Aubin in 1921, is at the origin of the estate. Son of a winegrower, he married in 1945. That is how the HENRI PRUDHON estate was born, from the wine-producing heritage that each spouse inherited from previous generations.
Their second child Gérard, born in 1949, was fascinated by this wonderful craft and came back to work with his parents. In those days, the estate’s harvest was mostly sold as grape must or wine to the region’s wine merchants. In the early 80s, Gérard wanted to develop bottling and direct marketing activities, well aware of the quality potential the estate wines possessed.
The operation grew with the acquisition of new plotsin Saint-Aubin, followed by Chassagne Montrachet and Puligny Montrachet. More and more of the production was sold in bottles by the estate. Foreign markets took an interest in the Saint-Aubin appellation due to its proximity with the great Montrachet vintages and its reasonable prices. The HENRI PRUDHON estate quickly took advantage of this situation to establish a lasting presence on the English and American markets thanks to the work of well-known importers such as Neal Rosenthal in New York and Richards Walford in London.
Nowadays, the domain is managed by Gérard’s two children, Vincent and Philippe, who respectively hold a degree in wine marketing and oenology. They continue the work the previous generations began, by bottling new appellations, developing new markets, erecting a building dedicated to preparing orders, modernising the cellar and vineyard equipment, etc.
Pinot Noir
At first glance, most Pinot Noir wines are pale to medium in color due to their thin skins. Pinot Noir has a unique profile dominated by aroma compounds known as esters. These give it a complex array of flavors, from ripe cherry and raspberry to intriguing undertones of forest floor, tea leaves, and sometimes even clove.
On the nose, Pinot Noir is all about the symphony of red fruits. Yet, it also unveils layers of earthiness, spice, and, when oak-aged, gentle wafts of vanilla and smoke. As it ages, you might catch hints of mushroom and leather.
On the palate Pinot Noir is usually light to medium-bodied, with lower tannins (thanks to those thinner skins) and high acidity, making it a wine of grace and subtlety. The alcohol levels tend to be moderate, usually around 12-14%, contributing to its silky and elegant mouthfeel.
88/100 Burghound
There are no reviews yet. Be the first one to write one.
Pinot Noir Wines available at Penventon Hotel
The Country
French wine, steeped in history and tradition, offers a rich tapestry of flavors and styles. Bordeaux’s iconic red blends—Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot—create wines with structured tannins and notes of blackcurrant, plum, and cedar. Burgundy’s Pinot Noir and Chardonnay yield velvety reds and crisp whites. Champagne sparkles with toasty brioche and citrus. The Rhône Valley boasts bold Syrah, while Alsace’s Riesling and Gewürztraminer express floral aromas. From Provence’s pale rosés to Corsica’s sun-kissed Vermentino, each bottle tells a story. Santé!
France Wines available at Penventon Hotel
The Region
Known for its Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, Burgundy’s terroir imparts distinctiveness. The Côte d’Or yields velvety reds with cherry and earthy nuances. Chablis, from northern Burgundy, offers crisp, mineral-driven whites.
Burgundy Wines available at Penventon Hotel
The Producer
Henri Prudhon born in Saint-Aubin in 1921, is at the origin of the estate. Son of a winegrower, he married in 1945. That is how the HENRI PRUDHON estate was born, from the wine-producing heritage that each spouse inherited from previous generations.
Their second child Gérard, born in 1949, was fascinated by this wonderful craft and came back to work with his parents. In those days, the estate’s harvest was mostly sold as grape must or wine to the region’s wine merchants. In the early 80s, Gérard wanted to develop bottling and direct marketing activities, well aware of the quality potential the estate wines possessed.
The operation grew with the acquisition of new plotsin Saint-Aubin, followed by Chassagne Montrachet and Puligny Montrachet. More and more of the production was sold in bottles by the estate. Foreign markets took an interest in the Saint-Aubin appellation due to its proximity with the great Montrachet vintages and its reasonable prices. The HENRI PRUDHON estate quickly took advantage of this situation to establish a lasting presence on the English and American markets thanks to the work of well-known importers such as Neal Rosenthal in New York and Richards Walford in London.
Nowadays, the domain is managed by Gérard’s two children, Vincent and Philippe, who respectively hold a degree in wine marketing and oenology. They continue the work the previous generations began, by bottling new appellations, developing new markets, erecting a building dedicated to preparing orders, modernising the cellar and vineyard equipment, etc.
Related Posts
| 1. Quick Exploration of French Wines |
