With barely 150 meters from Romanée-Conti and directly adjacent to La Tâche, Les Malconsorts is one of the most prestigious terroirs in Vosne-Romanée. This Premier Cru from Domaine du Clos Frantin (Albert Bichot) delivers an intense, layered Pinot Noir in the 2018 vintage that flawlessly combines power and silky finesse. A wine of aristocratic class, made for the long haul.
The 4.35-hectare vineyard is located on a rendzina limestone soil, perfectly permeable and warm. The vines are 35 to 40 years old and benefit from exceptional sun exposure. The name “Malconsorts” refers to legal disputes over the ownership of this magnificent piece of land – no wonder, given its location between legends like La Tâche and Richebourg.
The grapes are hand-picked and strictly selected. Fermentation and maceration take place in thermoregulated wooden vats and last 18 to 21 days. Afterwards, the wine ages for 16 to 17 months in French oak barrels, 35 to 40% of which are new wood, to provide structure and depth without overshadowing the terroir.
2018 was an exceptional year: the warmest of the 21st century, with a perfect balance between ripeness and freshness. The healthy, aromatically rich grapes made it possible to vinify cuvées such as this Malconsorts at a top level. Albert Bichot chose to keep the aging shorter and more precise, so that the fruit and finesse were optimally expressed.
Serving temperature: 16–17 °C
Excellent with beef tenderloin (preferably with foie gras or truffle), game in sauce, or slow-cooked lamb shoulder.
Dish tip: tournedos Rossini with red wine jus.
Minimum 10 years, with potential up to 20 years in an optimal cellar.
