By Domaine Guy et Yvan Dufouleur
Fixin 1er Cru "Clos du Chapitre" Monopole 2018

Vineyard Details
Surface Area: 2 hectares
Total Area of Clos: 4 hectares
Grape Variety: Pinot Noir
Average Vine Age: 65 years
Soil: Very deep clay-limestone containing some marl
Five-Year Average Yield: 31 hl/ha

Location
Clos is located in the north of the Cote-de-Nuits village, neighboring Gevrey-Chambertin. Plot situated on a gentle east-facing slope with a 20% gradient. Altitude of 320 meters.

Vine Management
Plowing, partial weeding, sustainable growing, de-leafing, harvesting by hand, sorting on the vine before picking (unripe or damaged grapes, etc.)

Vinification
After rigorous sorting in the winery, the whole, destemmed grapes go into vat via gravity flow. Addition of enzymes, yeasting, one week's cold pre-fermentation maceration, daily punching of the cap, and hot final maceration.

Aging
Twelve months in oak barrels, one-third of which are new. Malolactic fermentation in barrels, followed by three months spent blending in stainless steel vats. Light, 5-micron filtration to create a bright appearance and aromatic purity. Bottling done on domaine, with "grande tradition antique" bottles and natural corks.

Tasting Notes
Very intense, deep, black cherry hue. Complex nose with subtle aromas of black fruit (blackcurrants, blueberries, etc.), truffles, and licorice. It takes on notes of fur, musk, and other "wild" aromas with age. Forthright on entry to the palate, with power, fat, pronounced yet fine tannins, and lovely length.

Service
Food and Wine Pairings: Game, red meat in sauce or stew, spicy cuisine, strong cheeses
Serving Temperature: 16 degrees C
Best Time to Drink: 7 to 12 years, a wine for cellar-aging
[Information provided by DHI Selections]

Domaine Guy & Yan [sic] Dufouleur 2018 Clos du Chapitre Monopole Premier Cru (Fixin)
Rating: 94
Price: $100
Designation: Clos du Chapitre Monopole Premier Cru
Variety: Pinot Noir
Appellation: Fixin, Burgundy, France
Winery: Domaine Guy & Yan [sic] Dufouleur
Bottle Size: 750.00 ml
Category: Red
Importer: Grape Expectations (CA)
Date Published: 12/1/2020
Reviewed by: Anne Krebiehl MW
Despite a lot of swirling, this wine's nose does not reveal much. On the palate, the density of the bright, ripe red cherry becomes apparent, coralled within a taut web of tannin, bordered by freshness that showcases the precision, beauty and purity of this wine.