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Wine Description
The Story
Clos des Mouches is the beating heart of the Drouhin Family’s life in Burgundy. A subtle vineyard mosaic, an essay in terroir, a symbol of hard work and shared joy, Clos des Mouches has been synonymous with Maison Joseph Drouhin since 1921
This legendary Premier Cru, which produces elegant, subtle, complex, and sublime white and red wines, is the genesis of the family estate.Today, Maurice Drouhin’s vision and commitment to authentic Burgundy, and his singular approach to a very special place, are upheld by the family’s third, fourth and fifth generations. The incredible stories, emotions, and inspiring vintages are why the family holds Clos des Mouches so dear and why it is so closely linked to the Maison’s identity. The hundredth anniversary is not merely a celebration of the past but a recognition of a living heritage that has survived all manner of human endeavors.
Clos des Mouches is located at the southernmost tip of the Beaune appellation, halfway between Corton-Charlemagne and Montrachet. Ideally situated on its hill, this vineyard is notable for its terraced mosaic of blocks, each having subtle differences in character according to altitude and orientation. Clos des Mouches takes its name from the many beehives that previous winegrowers once placed in the fields. Strictly translated, a “mouche” is “fly,” but in Burgundy, they are “honey flies,” or more recognizably, “bees.”
In 1957, Maurice Drouhin's son, Robert, took over. Following in his father's footsteps, he grew and modernized the family business. In 1961, he acquired the family's parcels in Musigny, Bonnes-Mares, and Amoureuses. In the late 1960s, Robert's belief in the future of Chablis boldly guided the acquisition of nearly 40 hectares of Grands Crus, Premiers Crus, and villages appellations. In the 1970s, he hired Laurence Jobard, one of the first women oenologists in Burgundy, and in 1987 his visionary approach led the House to the other side of the Atlantic, where, with his daughter Veronique, he founded Domaine Drouhin Oregon. Philippe Drouhin, Robert's eldest son, took over the management of the Drouhin domaines in 1988. Intrigued by Bioversity and deeply concerned by environmental issues, Philippe quickly decided to move the House towards organic farming. The Clos des Mouches served as his ideal laboratory: its terroir is complex, with a significant slope of hills, different orientations, a millefeuille of clay-limestone soils "in platelets" through which the roots weave their way to find their resources. The checkerboard layout of the plots of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir and the age of the vines were all criteria allowing Philippe Drouhin to convert first to organic and then fully biodynamic viticulture."I chose the organic route out of personal conviction and technical reasoning, biodynamics to provide additional answers," specifies Philippe Drouhin. "There are still many unknowns about the functioning of soils and vines, but the holistic and gentle approach of biodynamics makes perfect sense to me."In parallel with this viticultural development, Maison Joseph Drouhin has launched a colossal effort to preserve the wine heritage by developing massale selections with other great names in the vineyards through the Association for the Protection of the Diversity of Burgundy Grape Varieties.The fourth generation, and recently the first member of the fifth, Laurène, Véronique's daughter, continues to follow the family's pioneering traditions. Philippe, Véronique, Laurent, and Frédéric Drouhin all occupy key and complementary positions to keep the family business alive and growing. In their pursuit of excellence, they are aided by a dedicated team of women and men who perpetuates the tradition of excellence of the House on a daily basis.
Founded in 1880 by Joseph Drouhin, Maison Joseph Drouhin has always been led by members of the Drouhin family.
For more than a century, the grapes have come from vineyards that have been meticulously selected owing to their perfect exposition, unique character and reputation. Four generations of Joseph Drouhin family have built up a large and one of the most prestigious wine estates in Burgundy. Maison Joseph Drouhin is resolutely committed to a strict observance of tradition and respect for the heritage of Burgundy. The estate comprises 72 hectares of vineyards among the greatest appellations. The true amateur will discover in these wines the Drouhin signature: the originality of the terroir, the finesse of the aromas, the elegance and harmony of the structure and the style of the vintage. The use of biological methods is a profound conviction at Joseph Drouhin. An organic approach, discreet and natural so to let the wine express herself at her best. For many years now, Joseph Drouhin has been experimenting biodynamic methods. Their winemaking process can be described by vigilance, common sense and gentleness in order to allow the wines to express their very best. The mission is to unfold the greatness of Burgundy.
Vintage 2018
Burgundy 2018: An ideal vintage
The 2018 vintage was met with a unanimous show of satisfaction from the north of Bourgogne to the south. The exceptional weather, especially during the harvest period, resulted in grapes with perfect health, allowing picking to extend over almost a whole month. Initial tastings ahead of the Hospices de Beaune Wine Auction have given an early idea that 2018 will be a truly great year.
The vines had built up some reserves over winter thanks to some very rainy weather, and the growth cycle began on the late side. When the sun started to show in April, the vines sprang into life, with budburst taking place very rapidly. The mild weather then allowed the plants to make up for lost time, even getting ahead of the average. Frosts in April sent a shudder across the whole region, but damage remained very limited. Flowering and fruit setting took place without hindrance.
Summer saw constant heat and drought, apart from a few hail storms in early July that were of no great consequence. The vines continued to grow at a fast pace until mid-August. Veraison took a little longer in places, the heat and lack of water affecting some of the younger vineyards. Nonetheless, since the hydric reserves had been restocked over winter, most of the vines came to maturity nicely thanks to the ideal weather conditions.
The first grapes were picked in the last 10 days of August. Since the dates of flowering, the rainfall and temperature varied greatly from one area to another, harvesting extended into the last 10 days of September.
The fruit was in extraordinarily good health, and the weather was perfect, allowing each winemaker to harvest at the optimum moment. The mood was serene across the whole wine region, producers enjoying this magnificent vintage that combined quality and quantity. Many think this will be one of the best vintages in many years.
Vinification of the whites went without a problem, the grapes having retained a good level of acidity despite the heat.
The reds required a little more attention during vinification due to the relatively high level of potential alcohol.
White wines
In 2018, the aromatic complexity of the white wines is incredible. They are explosive on the nose, with an amazing diversity that reflects each terroir. The wines have a certain crispness and good minerality. In the mouth, they are rounded and generous, balanced with a nice tension.
Red wines
The 2018 reds have a seductive intense color. They are already well structured and powerful, with nicely- integrated tannins and good concentration of fruit. These exceptional wines are perfectly balanced, and are already tasting well in their first flush of youth.
This is a delicious vintage with splendid maturity.
Crémant de Bourgogne
This is a benchmark year, with expressive aromas that vary from one varietal to another, promising balanced and aromatic base wines. The Pinot Noirs are generous, with notes of cherry and rose, resulting in balanced wines with a pleasant freshness. The Chardonnays are powerful, with moderate acidity, making them well- rounded. The fruit aromas reveal some exotic notes, nuanced by fragrances of apple and peach. The Gamays have delicate aromas of raspberry and strawberry, underscored by citrus touches (clementine, lemon). The Aligotés are sharp and lemony, as usual, with good length in the mouth.
