Clos du Lican: A Hidden Gem in the Apalta Valley.
A hidden treasure of Domaines Bournet-Lapostolle, Clos du Lican embodies a story of passion, determination, patience, and legacy. After unveiling the grand cru hidden within the Apalta Valley, Alexandra Marnier Lapostolle and Cyril de Bournet discovered a magical place in 2004, just 5 km from the Clos Apalta vineyard. Covered with large granite rocks, this land had never been planted with vines but radiated a special, almost sacred energy. Convinced by its uniqueness, the couple embarked on an extraordinary project: reshaping the land and planting vines to create a new, one-of-a-kind great wine.
With the vision of true pioneers, they pursued their endeavor with confidence and perseverance, planting around 15 hectares, primarily with Syrah. Here, as in Clos Apalta, organic and biodynamic farming principles are applied to preserve biodiversity and the purity of the fruit.
The creation of any great masterpiece requires time. In 2013, Charles de Bournet, the seventh generation, took up the mantle to continue his parents' legacy. In 2022, the dream became a reality with the launch of the 2019 vintage, Clos du Lican’s first vintage.
The 2023 vintage
The 2023 vintage in Apalta was early and warm, following a winter marked by ongoing drought, although rainfall was higher than in 2022 and helped replenish soil water reserves. The final phase of La Niña brought cooler winter and early spring conditions, but from mid-October onward high temperatures and heat waves dominated until early April. Careful irrigation and canopy management were necessary to maintain vine balance and protect the vines from heat stress. The hot and dry conditions also reduced disease pressure, ensuring excellent fruit health. The growing season was 6 to 13 days earlier depending on the variety. Harvest took place entirely by hand from February 22 to April 25, with close monitoring of each vineyard block to pick the grapes at optimal ripeness. Yields were slightly lower (-4%) than the average of the last five vintages. Overall, the wines show excellent quality, with depth, elegance, intense fruit expression, and good freshness, particularly in the whites and rosé, while the reds are very promising.
Tasting notes
COLOR: Dark purple with layers of inky red
NOSE: Intense and complex nose, with wild berries and floral expression, red and black fruit finishing over a spicy and graphite notes aftertaste.
PALATE: Elegant and balanced palate, with abundant round velvety tannins and freshness in the finish. Very long in the palate.