Domaine Henri Rebourseau’s 2019 Clos Vougeot Grand Cru Vieilles Vignes is a Pinot Noir from the Côte de Nuits, drawn from the estate’s long-held Clos de Vougeot parcel. It is a transition-era wine for this historic domaine (founded in 1782), as 2019 was the first vintage in which Bénigne de Surrel had full decision-making control from harvest through élevage, alongside a shift away from selling grapes in bulk.
The “Vieilles Vignes” bottling is sourced from older plant material; Neal Martin (Vinous) reports vines planted in “1927, 1970 and 1990.” The site itself is defined by classic Clos Vougeot geology—Bajocian limestone with shallow, gravelly soils—conditions that often support structure and savory complexity. The estate’s own description leans into that profile, pointing to undergrowth and truffle-like notes, along with a velvety, darker-edged expression.
Critically, the wine shows consistent strength across major reviewers, with three 93-point scores—very good results in a competitive grand cru category. Martin calls it “plush, generous and fleshy,” emphasizing “more red fruit than the regular cuvée,” plus “sous-bois and scents of black truffle,” finishing “very pure and silky” (Vinous, 93). Burghound, also at 93, notes “good vibrancy and density” with “beautifully detailed and substantially scaled flavors,” concluding it is “more promising and is likely to age slowly,” helped by “plenty of sappy dry extract” and a “very firmly structured” finish. Wine Spectator (93) frames it as “perfumed and lush,” layering “smoky black cherry, blackberry and violet” with iron, sandalwood, leather, and spice, and recommends patience: “Best from 2026 through 2043.”
A small theme across notes is warmth—Burghound mentions a “noticeably warm finale,” and Wine Spectator finds it “just a touch hot”—but the general picture is of a concentrated, polished Clos Vougeot with clear aromatic detail and long-term promise.