Domaine Dujac managed to retain freshness superbly in this warm vintage, most wines were at a modest 13.5% alcohol, with a couple of cuvees close to 14% alcohol (Malconsorts). Grape pickings started on the 25/26th from Puligny Montrachet, then pickers went straight to Cote de Nuits afterwards. Most cuvees had maximum wholecluster this vintage, 90% stems. The reds are rich and fragrant, especially the wines from Gevrey Chambertin (see my 2018 vintage report). I was also pleasantly surprised by their Chardonnay this year, the whites are more aromatic than the 2017.
Domaine Dujac owns 17.3ha of vineyard in total. Biodynamic approaches but not certified.
Tasting Notes
Morey Saint Denis Blanc 2018
Slightly reductive. 20% new oak. Whites are aged 1 year in oak then 6 months in tank. Fragrant white tree fruits, oily lemon and supple sweet oak toast. Quite a generous body for a village wine, nose is slightly restrained however. Simple yet pleasurable. Fleshier with good acidity. Might be better than 2017. (83/100)
Morey Saint Denis Blanc 1er Cru Les Monts Luisants 2018
100% Chardonnay in contrast to Ponsot’s Monts Luisants, which was planted with 100% Aligote. Slight reduction and lean on the palate. 20% new oak. Sweet white orchard fruits with supple spices. Higher acidity than the Morey Saint Denis Blanc. Whites are aged 1 year in oak then 6 months in tank. Lean and precise with a clean finish. (84/100)
Puligny Montrachet Puligny Montrachet 1er Cru Les Combettes 2018
From 0.6ha plot owned by a consortium of investors, and Dujac is in charge of vineyard work and winemaking. Picked on 25th August. Bright and energetic fresh fruits. Ripe lemons and juicy orchard fruits, clear signs of a warm vintage. Nice spices on the backbone. Medium bodied with good acidity. Slight bitterness on the finish. Good substance and fine depth. (86/100)
Morey Saint Denis Rouge 2018
From 6 different parcels (total 3ha), 90% from Les Porroux (in front of Domaine), one parcel from Le Village, and one from Clos Solon. Sweet and ripe array of dark berries, blackcurrants and cinnamon spices. Rich with a sturdy build for a village wine. The tannins are ripe but seems a bit obscure at this stage, might get softer with time. Hints of green stems. Drink from 2024 onwards. (83+/100)
Gevrey Chambertin 1er Cru Aux Combottes 2018
1.4ha of vineyard, average age of vines 35 years old. 50-60% new oak. In 2018, Gevrey Chambertin outperformed overall as an appellation, and this Aux Combottes is no exception. Beautifully laced blackberries, dark cherry, and sandalwood. Great freshness, 13.5% alcohol. Proper Premier Cru substance with fragrant stems and spices. Lots of polyphenols. Firm tannins with dense and ripe fruits. A 2018 standout. Drink from 2026 onwards. (88-89/100)
Vosne Romanee 1er Cru Aux Malconsorts 2018
Vineyard purchased in 2005. 90% stems. I always find Dujac’s Malconsorts shy in En Premier tasting, but give it a few years and it shine. Graceful dark fruits, fragrant rose petals and lifted spices. More elegant and mellow than the Gevrey Chambertin Aux Combotes. Silky tannins with plush fruits. Drink from 2025 onwards. (87+/100)
Clos Saint Denis 2018
The 2018 Clos Saint Denis is a clear step-up from the Aux Combottes and Malconsorts. Sophisticated and fragrant array of ripe stems and floral summer bouquet. Violet, densely packed dark berries and silky wood spices. Incredibly expressive and attractive with a beautiful underlying minerality. Charming and more delicate than the Clos de la Roche. Drink from 2026. (91-93/100)
Clos de la Roche 2018
The 2018 Clos de la Roche is a thoroughly seductive wine. Densely packed array of ripe dark berries, sweet stems. Slightly more concentrated and more exuberant than the Clos Saint Denis. A serious wine but I might prefer the Clos Saint Denis by a small tad. (91-93/100)
