Domaine Rene Leclerc Pinot Noir
Old-vine Gevrey Pinot Noir, pressed slow since 1962.
The story behind Domaine Rene Leclerc
René Leclerc founded this Gevrey-Chambertin estate in 1962 with his wife Aleth, building on family vineyard holdings in the Côte de Nuits. The domaine farms 10 hectares of Pinot Noir, vines running 30 to 80 years old, under lutte raisonnée. Grapes are destemmed, given a short cold maceration, and fermented on native yeasts in traditional vats.
Then comes the part we point to first: a manual wooden basket press from 1951 or 1952, run for roughly three hours, gentle enough to leave bitter seed tannins in the fruit. Aging runs about 18 months in neutral used French oak, never new. Bottling is unfined and unfiltered. François Leclerc, René's son, now runs the cellar and keeps the classic styling intact.
Explore the Domaine Rene Leclerc range
Three expressions, one house style: pure fruit, no new oak, no filtration. Start at Bourgogne and work north through Gevrey-Chambertin.
| Expression | Type | Proof / ABV | Tasting notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bourgogne 750mL | Bourgogne Rouge | About 12.5% ABV | Entry cuvée, bright red fruit, soft earthy finish |
| Gevrey Chambertin 750mL | Village | About 12.5% to 13% ABV | Firm structure, dark cherry, Gevrey soil and spice |
| Gevrey Chambertin Res 750mL | Village Reserve | About 13% ABV | Deeper fruit, longer neutral oak, more grip |
| Lavaux Saint-Jacques | Premier Cru | About 13% ABV | Steep-site lift, fine tannin, mineral spine |
| Combe aux Moines | Premier Cru | About 13% ABV | Cooler parcel, red currant, savory length |
| Griotte-Chambertin | Grand Cru | About 13% ABV | Top of the range, density with delicacy |
Which Domaine Rene Leclerc is right for you?
Pricing here runs the Burgundy ladder honestly. The Domaine Rene Leclerc Bourgogne sits at $29.98, the Gevrey Chambertin at $79.99, and the Gevrey Chambertin Res at $99.98. Premier Cru bottlings generally land $135 to $190, and Griotte-Chambertin clears $300. We list only what we carry; if a bottle shows out of stock, call us at (631) 343-7200 and we will tell you when the next allocation lands. Buy Domaine Rene Leclerc online when it is listed, or pick it up in Commack.
Real Gevrey fruit at $29.98, no new oak, easy with roast chicken.
Classic village Gevrey structure that rewards five years in the cellar.
Deeper reserve fruit at $99.98, built for a decade of patience.
Domaine Rene Leclerc cocktails and pairings
Pinot Noir this transparent wants fat and earth, not heat. Keep the sauce brown and the mushrooms dark.