2014 Échezeaux, Grand Cru, Domaine Georges Jayer, E. Rouget, Burgundy
Critics reviews
Deep, dark colour. Ripe and rich with plenty of extract. Cassis, blueberry and spice notes. The palate is intense but suave and fresh (2019 much the same), the tannins sitting firmly behind. Long finish. Clearly has a big structure but the fruit and freshness carry it. Long ageing potential.
Drink 2026 - 2055
James Lawther MW, JancisRobinson.com (July 2020)
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.
Échezeaux
Located in the commune of Flagey-Échezeaux, just south of the village of Vosne-Romanée in the Côte de Nuits, Échezeaux is a grand cru vineyard, producing some of the finest red wines in the world.
The terroir is varied, with different climats having diverse soil compositions and microclimates. The soils comprise limestone, clay, and gravel, contributing to the wines’ complexity and character. The variations in terroir result in wines with distinct nuances and expressions.
The wines are exclusively made from Pinot Noir grapes and are known for their depth, richness, and complexity, often exhibiting aromas of red and dark fruits, spices, earth, and floral notes. These can age gracefully for many years, developing more intricate flavors and textures with time.
Many esteemed and well-known wine producers have vineyard holdings in Échezeaux, contributing to the region’s reputation. Some of the most prestigious producers craft exceptional wines from this grand cru vineyard. Due to its Grand Cru status, however, the wines can be relatively rare with the combination of high demand and limited availability, making them highly sought-after amongst collectors.
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
Deep, dark colour. Ripe and rich with plenty of extract. Cassis, blueberry and spice notes. The palate is intense but suave and fresh (2019 much the same), the tannins sitting firmly behind. Long finish. Clearly has a big structure but the fruit and freshness carry it. Long ageing potential.
Drink 2026 - 2055
James Lawther MW, JancisRobinson.com (July 2020)
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