Beaune Premier Cru 'Clos du Roi', Domaine Tollot-Beaut, 2021
Beaune Premier Cru 'Clos du Roi', Domaine Tollot-Beaut, 2021
- 75cl
- 13.5%
- Red Still
- Pinot Noir
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Optimal drinking window: Now - 2038
Founded in the 1880s, Tollot-Beaut remains amongst the best value and consistently rewarding growers in the Cote de Beaune.
They were one of the first to begin domaine bottling their wines in 1921 and now 24ha strong, helmed by fifth generation Nathalie Tollot, with assistance from her father, uncle and cousins, this remains very much a family affair. Based in Chorey-Le-Beaune, they also have holdings in Aloxe Corton, Savigny and Corton itself.
Dependably showing pretty and charming, supple red fruits, the recent solar vintages have shone a light (literally) on the those appellations around the foothills of Corton traditionally known for more rustic styles, and the domaine’s wines have taken on an extra richness and depth, with plusher, more sophisticated and structured tannins.
They remain very attractive and attractively priced too.
Currently showing primary red fruit character with mineral undertones, this wine will begin integrating beautifully around 2028-2029 as the tannins soften further. From 2030 onwards, expect secondary complexity to emerge with earthy, forest floor character and deeper spice notes developing alongside the fruit. The wine should plateau around 2032-2035, maintaining its elegance whilst showing full complexity, before beginning a gentle decline after 2038 though remaining drinking well for purists who enjoy mature Burgundy.
Tasting Notes
AppearanceBright ruby with garnet highlights, showing good clarity and medium intensity.
NoseFresh red cherry and wild strawberry lead, followed by violet petals and a touch of forest floor. There's a lovely mineral lift suggesting the limestone underneath, with subtle spice emerging as it warms in the glass.
PalateMedium-bodied with excellent balance, showing pure cherry fruit supported by fine-grained tannins that coat the mouth without gripping. The limestone terroir provides a mineral backbone that carries through the mid-palate, whilst gentle acidity keeps everything fresh and focused.
FinishLong and elegant with lingering red fruit, mineral salinity, and a hint of dried herbs.
Overall impressionClassic Beaune premier cru showing textbook elegance and site expression, built for graceful ageing.
Food Pairings
In Burgundy, this would be the perfect match for coq au vin made with the same wine, or classic boeuf bourguignon simmered slowly with pearl onions and lardons. Locals might also pair it with jambon persillé, the region's signature ham and parsley terrine, or rabbit with mustard sauce. The wine's elegance works beautifully with Époisses cheese, whilst its mineral backbone complements Burgundy's famous escargots swimming in garlic butter.
We think this wine would go well with
Serve at 16-17°C, slightly cooler than room temperature to preserve the wine's elegance and freshness. Open 30-45 minutes before serving to allow the wine to breathe, though full decanting isn't necessary unless you're drinking it young. Use Burgundy bowls or large-bowled glasses that allow the delicate aromatics to concentrate whilst giving the wine space to develop in the glass.
Clos du Roi sits on Beaune's mid-slope, facing southeast at around 280 metres elevation on limestone-rich soils with good drainage. The site benefits from morning sun and protection from harsh winds, creating ideal conditions for slow, even ripening. These limestone soils impart the characteristic mineral backbone that defines great Beaune, whilst the elevation preserves the freshness and elegance that distinguishes premier cru sites from the village-level vineyards below.
Beaune Premier Cru represents some of Burgundy's most reliable and food-friendly reds, with Clos du Roi among the most respected climats. Unlike the power of Gevrey-Chambertin or the perfume of Chambolle-Musigny, Beaune premiers crus offer elegant middle ground with silky textures and mineral precision. The appellation's 42 premier cru vineyards benefit from varied expositions around the historic town, with the best sites like Clos du Roi showing remarkable consistency vintage after vintage.
The 2021 growing season in Burgundy started badly and got worse before pulling off one of wine's great escapes. Spring frost in April devastated vineyards across the Côte d'Or, followed by a summer that alternated between biblical downpours and scorching heat. Many producers lost 50% or more of their crop to the frost alone, then watched hail batter what remained in some unlucky villages. By August, with rot creeping through rain-soaked vineyards, even the most optimistic vignerons were writing off the vintage.
What emerged from this chaos surprised everyone: wines with remarkable freshness and purity, if you can find them. The tiny yields meant those grapes that survived were intensely concentrated, while the September sunshine saved the day with perfect ripening conditions. We find the reds show beautiful fruit clarity without heaviness, drinking with an immediacy that makes them irresistible now but promising a decade or more of evolution. The whites are particularly stunning, with a mineral intensity that cuts through their richness. Yes, there's not much 2021 Burgundy about, and yes, it's expensive, but this is one of those vintages where disaster bred greatness.
FAQs
What does this wine taste like?
Elegant and silky with fresh red cherry and strawberry fruit, mineral precision from limestone soils, and fine-grained tannins typical of quality Beaune premier cru.
When should I drink this wine?
Best from 2028 onwards when the tannins will have softened, drinking beautifully through the 2030s as complexity develops.
What food pairs well with this wine?
Perfect with roasted duck, coq au vin, or aged Burgundian cheeses like Époisses. The elegance also works well with mushroom dishes and charcuterie.
How should I serve this wine?
Serve at 16-17°C in large Burgundy glasses, opening 30-45 minutes beforehand to let it breathe and develop its aromatics.
Is this wine worth cellaring?
Absolutely - this premier cru will reward patience, developing beautiful complexity over 10-12 years whilst maintaining its characteristic elegance.
How does this compare to village-level Beaune?
Premier cru status means grapes from superior hillside vineyards with better drainage and exposition, resulting in more concentration, structure, and ageing potential than village Beaune.
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