Domaine Leroy - Nuits Saint-Georges 1er cru 'Aux Boudots' 1997

Domaine Leroy - Nuits-Saint-Georges 1er Cru 'Aux Boudots' 1997, Burgundy, France

Introduction: The epitome of Burgundian magic

A red wine from Domaine Leroy is more than just a drink; it is an object of worship, an embodiment of biodynamics, ultimate terroir expression and artisanal perfection. The Nuits-Saint-Georges 1er Cru 'Aux Boudots' from the 1997 vintage combines the legendary rigour of Lalou Bize-Leroy with the sensual accessibility of this special vintage. This wine is a journey into the depths of Burgundy.

Sensory description (current state, based on professional tasting notes)

After more than 25 years of ageing in the bottle, this wine has shed its youthful reserve and developed a dizzying complexity.

• Colour: A medium, clear garnet red with already distinct brick-red to orange-coloured edges. The colour reveals its maturity, with no signs of fatigue.

• Nose: The bouquet is intense, complex and irresistibly charming. It is a perfect interplay between tertiary flavours and leftover, refined fruit.

  • Ripe red fruits: Preserved cherries, plum jam, raspberry jam.

  • Animal & earthy notes: A hint of fur, truffle, damp forest floor and mushroom.

  • Spicy complexity: liquorice, allspice, sandalwood and a typical note of violet.

  • Oriental spices: An exotic vein of Szechuan pepper and nutmeg, a signature of Leroy wines.

• Palate: On the palate, the wine has a silky texture and a floating lightness; it is powerful but never heavy. The tannins, once present, are fully integrated and form a velvety, powdery foundation.

  • The aromatic palette of the nose is repeated on the palate with great precision.

  • The acidity is wonderfully lively and gives the wine a refreshing tension and longevity.

  • The finishis remarkably long and lingers for minutes, dominated by flavours of ripe fruit, spices and a cool minerality.

Vintage & Site

• Vintage 1997 in Burgundy: A vintage known for its accessible, precocious and aromatic fruit.The wines were never of the structure and power of a 1999 or 2005, but the best wines, especially from top domains like Leroy, have wonderful balance, elegance and complexity. They drank well early, but have the structure for long ageing.

• Site 'Aux Boudots' (1er Cru):This Premier Cru site is located directly on the border with Vosne-Romanée and "borrows" some of the sensual elegance of this famous neighbour. The soils are calcareous with a high proportion of gravel. The site produces wines that are more elegant and perfumedthan the typical, powerful and earthy wines of Nuits-Saint-Georges. Leroy combines this elegance with a wild, animal depth.

Maturity & ageing potential

• Current drinking maturity: This wine has reached a perfect drinking window, offering full harmony between ripe fruit, complex tertiary flavours and a fully integrated structure. For most wine connoisseurs, it is now at its absolute peak.

• Ageing potential: If stored properly (cool, dark, vibration-free), it can retain its form for at least another 10-15 years. It has reached its zenith and is expected to decline slowly but gracefully over the next few decades. It is time to savour it.

Rating & recommendations

Score: 96/100 points
A wine of poignant beauty and complexity. It proves that the 1997 vintage can reach grand cru level in the right hands. A profound, sensual and unforgettable Burgundy.

Recommendations:

• Decanting:Gentle decanting(30-45 minutes) before drinking is recommended to open up the complex flavours and retain any sediment. Caution: Decanting for too long could jeopardise its delicacy.

• Serving temperature: 14-16°C.

• Food pairing: This wine deserves an equally exquisite dish.

  • Poultry: Roast poulard or pheasant.

  • Game: Saddle of venison with cranberries.

  • Mushrooms: A risotto with porcini mushrooms or morels.

  • Cheese: Mature, creamy cheeses such as Comté or Époisses.

Conclusion

The Domaine Leroy Nuits-Saint-Georges 1er Cru 'Aux Boudots' 1997 is a Burgundian jewel. It is the perfect demonstration of how a vintage that is considered "light" can be given unimagined depth and complexity in the hands of a master. This wine combines the animal power of Nuits-Saint-Georges with the floral elegance of Vosne-Romanée, all underpinned by the unmistakable intensity and purity of Domaine Leroy. Opening a bottle is a special, almost spiritual event for any Burgundy lover, an absolutely enchanting and moving taste experience.