At a glance

Producer

Joseph Drouhin

Region

Burgundy, France

Grape variety

Pinot Noir

Wine type

Red

Body

Medium-bodied and Earthy

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$120-$200 (secondary market, collectible vintage)

Tasting profile

Complex bouquet of dried cherries, forest floor, mushroom, and subtle spice with soft mouthfeel

Evolution: Over next 5 years, may show more earthiness and slight leather notes while fruit fades slowly

At peak: Persistent and elegant, providing a harmonious balance of mature Burgundy character

Structure

Acidity

Moderate to high acidity, maintaining freshness

Tannins

Silky, now fully mature but still present to provide structure

Alcohol

Approx. 12.5%-13.0%

Aging potential

Can continue to evolve gracefully for another 5-10 years with careful cellaring

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2015 to 2025

Optimal window

2010 to 2030

Current status

Mature and drinking very well, with tertiary complexity

Current condition

Well integrated tannins and acidity, showing evolved red fruit, forest floor, and mushroom notes

Clos des Mouches is a premier vineyard in Beaune known for producing some of Joseph Drouhin's finest Pinot Noir. The 1994 vintage was solid in Burgundy, resulting in wines with sufficient acidity and tannin to age well. At 30 years old, this wine is well past initial maturity and now exhibits tertiary complexity typical of well-aged Grand Cru/Batard-Montrachet level Burgundy, but still with enough freshness to remain enjoyable.

Food pairing

Pairs excellently with roasted duck, game birds, mushroom risotto, and aged cheeses such as Comté or Gruyère.

Serving

Serving temperature

15-17°C (59-63°F)

Decant

Yes (30-45 minutes) — Helps to open up complex aromas and soften mature tannins

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 7/10

Focus on minimal intervention, use of cover crops, reduction in synthetic pesticides; some parcels farmed biodynamically; promotes biodiversity

Joseph Drouhin is known for a strong commitment to environmentally responsible practices with several estates certified organic and biodynamic. Their emphasis on soil health and biodiversity enhances vineyard sustainability. While international shipping adds carbon emissions, their packaging and operations strive to minimize environmental impact overall.