Louis Jadot Echezeaux Grand Cru 2021

Winery Background and History

Maison Louis Jadot, founded in 1859, is a prestigious Burgundy wine producer renowned for its dedication to expressing the diversity of the region’s terroirs. With over 150 years of history, the winery has established a reputation for crafting wines that authentically reflect their origins, encompassing a wide range of appellations from regional wines to Grand Crus.

Producer and Winemaker

The 2021 Echézeaux Grand Cru is produced by Maison Louis Jadot under the expertise of winemaker Frédéric Barnier. Barnier upholds the house’s philosophy of minimal intervention, allowing each wine to express its unique terroir. His approach combines traditional Burgundian techniques with modern precision, ensuring that the wines maintain their authenticity and quality.

Vineyards and Microclimate

The Echézeaux Grand Cru vineyard is located in the Côte de Nuits region of Burgundy, specifically within the commune of Flagey-Echézeaux. This esteemed vineyard benefits from an eastern exposure and a unique microclimate that fosters optimal ripening of the Pinot Noir grapes. The soil composition, rich in limestone and clay, contributes to the wine’s distinctive minerality and complexity.

Grape Varietals & Percentage Used

100% Pinot Noir.

Vinification & Aging Methods

The Pinot Noir grapes undergo fermentation in vats for up to one month to extract color, tannins, and aroma. Following fermentation, the wine is matured in oak barrels for 18 months, with one-third being new oak. This careful vinification and aging process enhances the wine’s complexity and aging potential.

ABV (Alcohol by Volume)

13.49%.

Tasting Notes

The 2021 Echézeaux Grand Cru presents a perfumed and floral bouquet, featuring aromas of sweet cherries, red berries, and plums mingled with sweet spices, orange zest, and rose petals. On the palate, it is medium to full-bodied, ample, and fleshy, with a seamless, complete profile that captures all the charm of the vintage. The bright acidity carries the fruit across the palate, evolving into complex notes of mint, smoke, wild berries, and tobacco, leading to a very long finish.

Food & Wine Pairing

This elegant and expressive Grand Cru pairs excellently with full-bodied meat dishes, whether grilled or roasted. It also accompanies dishes featuring truffles or mushrooms and aged cheeses, as the wine’s depth and complexity complement the richness of these foods.

Service Methods and Temperatures

To fully appreciate the nuances of the 2021 Echézeaux Grand Cru, it is recommended to serve the wine at a temperature between 16-18°C (61-64°F). Decanting the wine for about an hour before serving can enhance its aromatic profile and allow it to open up, revealing its full complexity.

Storage and Aging Potential

The 2021 Echézeaux Grand Cru has significant aging potential, with the capacity to develop favorably in the bottle for 15 to 20 years. Proper storage conditions include maintaining a consistent temperature of around 12°C (54°F) with appropriate humidity levels to preserve the wine’s integrity over time.

Scores

• Wine Advocate: 94 points.

• Robert Parker: 94 points.