Maison Louis Jadot, one of Burgundy’s best négociants, is a major grower, owning, through their various estates, over 300 acres of vineyards in the Côte d’Or. Clos des Ursules was the first vineyard Maison Louis Jadot acquired two hundred years ago, in 1826. The French wine authorities awarded Clos des Ursules, which was formerly included in the Vignes Franches 1er Cru, its own 1er Cru status in 2011 because of the distinctive quality of the wine. The sensational 2022 is still, inexplicably given its stature, widely available. Frédéric Barnier, Jadot’s winemaker, using an Olympic analogy, believes the 2022 should be “on the podium.” I believe it deserves a gold. It was marvelous when I initially tasted in Jadot’s cellars in 2023 and has just gotten better with more complexity and elegance each of the several times I’ve tasted since then. Though nicely concentrated – yet not overdone – it impresses with its elegance and silky texture. It displays the magical combination of power and elegance. Having just been lucky to be included in a tasting of 30 vintages of Clos des Ursules, back to the 1926, this is a wine that develops and evolves beautifully, so, as delicious as it is now, there is no rush to drink the 2022. It will develop with the best of them.
97 Michael Apstein – July 15, 2026