Vineyards and winemaking
Clos des Ursules is a walled monopole in the heart of Beaune, historically associated with the Premier Cru climat Les Vignes Franches and owned by the Jadot family since 1826. Its east-facing, mid-slope position and shallow clay-limestone soils give Pinot Noir both depth and a notably refined mineral structure.
The hand-harvested fruit is sorted and destemmed before a traditional fermentation with a long maceration and regular pigeage. The 2015 matured for around 18 months in oak, approximately one-third new, allowing this warm and generous vintage to gain polish while preserving the vineyard's characteristic authority.
Tasting notes
Appearance
Deep ruby red with garnet highlights and a clear, gently maturing rim.
Nose
Red and black cherry are layered with violet, woodsmoke, cocoa and forest floor. With air, plum, sweet spice and a fine earthy note add depth to the polished fruit.
Palate
Full and structured, yet finely proportioned, with sappy berry fruit, fresh acidity and smooth, persistent tannins. The oak is increasingly integrated, leaving a long finish of cherry, savoury spice and limestone-derived tension that balances elegance with power.
Food pairing
Pair with roast duck, loin of venison, beef Bourguignon, or celeriac and wild mushroom gratin. Decanting for a short period should help the 2015 open, though its perfume and texture are best served at a cool room temperature rather than too warm.
Background story
Maison Louis Jadot was founded in 1859, but the family's relationship with Clos des Ursules predates the house itself. The vineyard came through the family of Louis Jadot's wife in 1826 and became the cornerstone of a domaine whose familiar Bacchus emblem now represents wines from across Burgundy.
Clos des Ursules remains one of Jadot's flagship reds and a compelling demonstration of Beaune Premier Cru's capacity to age. The 2015 vintage brought unusual ripeness and concentration, yet the clos's shallow limestone and disciplined élevage give the wine the freshness and structure to carry that richness with grace.
