Critics reviews
(96 points - Jan 01, 2005)
About this WINE
Jayer (Henri, Georges and Family)
Domaine Henri Jayer is renowned in the world of wine for its legendary status and profound influence on Burgundy winemaking. Established by Henri Jayer (1922 - 2006), the domaine’s origins were unexpected, as Henri did not initially plan to become a vigneron. Instead, he cared for the Camuzet vineyards during World War II. This pivotal moment marked the beginning of his winemaking journey.
Over time, Henri expanded his viticultural endeavours by planting his own vineyards and managing the vines owned by his brothers, Georges and Lucien. His dedication to these vineyards and commitment to crafting exceptional wines earned him a reputation as a master winemaker.
The Domaine was primarily located in the esteemed wine region of Vosne-Romanée, where it produced a remarkable range of wines, from the humble Passé-Tout-Grains to the prestigious Échezeaux. These wines were celebrated for their quality and distinctiveness, further solidifying Henri Jayer’s status as a luminary in the Burgundy wine scene.
In 2001, after a long and illustrious career, Henri Jayer retired. At this point, the responsibility for the vineyards was passed on to Jean-Nicolas Méo, and the day-to-day management of the domaine was entrusted to Emmanuel Rouget. Under their stewardship, the domaine’s wines maintained their high standards, although they were no longer labelled under the Jayer name.
Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir is probably the most frustrating, and at times infuriating, wine grape in the world. However when it is successful, it can produce some of the most sublime wines known to man. This thin-skinned grape which grows in small, tight bunches performs well on well-drained, deepish limestone based subsoils as are found on Burgundy's Côte d'Or.
Pinot Noir is more susceptible than other varieties to over cropping - concentration and varietal character disappear rapidly if yields are excessive and yields as little as 25hl/ha are the norm for some climats of the Côte d`Or.
Because of the thinness of the skins, Pinot Noir wines are lighter in colour, body and tannins. However the best wines have grip, complexity and an intensity of fruit seldom found in wine from other grapes. Young Pinot Noir can smell almost sweet, redolent with freshly crushed raspberries, cherries and redcurrants. When mature, the best wines develop a sensuous, silky mouth feel with the fruit flavours deepening and gamey "sous-bois" nuances emerging.
The best examples are still found in Burgundy, although Pinot Noir`s key role in Champagne should not be forgotten. It is grown throughout the world with notable success in the Carneros and Russian River Valley districts of California, and the Martinborough and Central Otago regions of New Zealand.
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Description
The best bottle of the '78 that I have ever had with an absolutely stunningly complex nose of virtually every spice imaginable framed in earth and strong secondary aromas leads to full-bodied, rich, pure and still intense flavors that deliver fantastic depth and length. There is real lift and vibrancy here with knockout intensity and this wine has arrived at its apogee. Two other recent bottles however have suggested that the beginning of the end has arrived as there is the slightest hint of dryness on the finish though it is largely buffered by the impressive amounts of velvet. Classy and refined in every sense and while this is in no danger of cracking up anytime soon, I would begin looking for reasons to drink this over the next decade. Consistent notes.
(96 points - Jan 01, 2005)
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