2017 Clos de Tart: Burgundy's Best Kept Secret
For Burgundy collectors and fine wine investors, the 2017 Clos de Tart Grand Cru represents a rare and historic opportunity. This vintage marks the final bottling crafted by Jacques Desvauges, the esteemed winemaker who elevated this legendary estate to new heights. With Clos de Tart now under the ownership of Château Latour, demand is soaring, making Desvauges-era bottles increasingly difficult to find.
If you’re looking to secure a rare original wooden case (OWC) of 2017 Clos de Tart, here’s why this vintage deserves a spot in your cellar.
Clos de Tart: Burgundy’s Largest Grand Cru Monopole
Clos de Tart is one of Burgundy’s most celebrated Grand Cru vineyards and holds a unique place in the region’s winemaking history. Spanning 7.53 hectares (18.6 acres), it is the largest of only five Grand Cru Monopoles in Burgundy.
The Grand Cru designation is the pinnacle of Burgundy’s classification system, reserved for the region’s most exceptional terroirs. With only 33 Grand Cru appellations in total, these wines account for just 1% of Burgundy’s production, making them some of the most sought-after in the world.
Unlike many other Burgundian vineyards that have been divided over generations due to inheritance laws, Clos de Tart remains a Monopole, meaning it is entirely owned and controlled by a single proprietor. This rare distinction ensures exceptional consistency in quality, winemaking philosophy, and vineyard management.
Why the 2017 Vintage Stands Out
The 2017 Clos de Tart is an elegant, terroir-driven expression of Pinot Noir, characterized by:
✅ Vibrant red and dark fruit – Layers of cherry, black raspberry, and plum
✅ Floral aromatics – Rose petals, violets, and subtle spice
✅ Refined structure – Balanced acidity, fine-grained tannins, and impressive depth
✅ Biodynamic farming – Over 60-year-old vines meticulously cared for using sustainable practices
While the 2015 and 2016 vintages gained critical acclaim for their concentration and power, the 2017 offers a more nuanced, fresh, and expressive profile, making it a prime candidate for long-term aging at a more compelling price point.
The Latour Effect: Why Clos de Tart Prices Are Rising
In 2018, Clos de Tart was acquired by the Pinault family, owners of Château Latour, one of Bordeaux’s most prestigious First Growths. This acquisition has fueled global demand, with Clos de Tart increasingly seen as an investment-grade Burgundy.
With Latour’s vast resources and marketing reach, prices for Clos de Tart are already climbing. As availability tightens, securing Desvauges-era vintages like the 2017 will become increasingly difficult—making this three-pack OWC an exceptional buy for collectors and investors alike.
A Rare Buying Opportunity for Burgundy Collectors
For those seeking a top-tier Grand Cru Monopole with historical significance, investment potential, and exceptional drinkability, the 2017 Clos de Tart is a must-have. With its impeccable pedigree, Jacques Desvauges’ final vintage, and rising demand under the Latour banner, this is a wine that won’t stay on the market for long!