Joseph Drouhin : Echezeaux Grand cru 2023

Characteristics and tasting tips for the Echezeaux Grand cru 2023 by Joseph Drouhin

Tasting

Colour
This red wine shows an intense ruby hue with garnet highlights. Its brilliance reflects careful ageing, while pronounced legs underline its generosity.

Nose
The bouquet strikes a captivating balance between power and delicacy. It releases aromas of ripe black fruit, such as black cherry and plum, harmoniously blended with floral notes of violet. Subtle hints of spice, forest floor and a discreet touch of cocoa add further depth to this aromatic palette.

Palate
Broad and generous, the palate charms with its smooth, enveloping texture. The tannins are supple and seamlessly integrated, supporting flavours of small red and black fruits. The whole stretches into a long, complex and remarkably elegant finish.

Food and wine pairings

This cuvée pairs beautifully with full-flavoured meats such as venison or roast lamb. It will also elevate a mushroom risotto or a hard cooked-curd cheese such as a well-aged Comté.

Serving and cellaring

For optimal enjoyment, this 2023 vintage is best served at a temperature between 16 and 18°C. With exceptional ageing potential, this wine should reach its peak in around 15 to 20 years.

The elegance and complexity of a Burgundy Grand Cru

The estate

Founded in 1880 in Beaune, Maison Joseph Drouhin is an iconic name in Burgundy. At the helm of an extensive heritage vineyard of around 100 hectares spread across the region's finest appellations, the house is now run by the fourth generation: Frédéric, Philippe, Véronique and Laurent Drouhin. A pioneer of organic and biodynamic viticulture since the late 1980s, the estate stands out for its constant pursuit of elegance, its absolute respect for its terroirs and its international outlook, notably reflected in its presence in Oregon.

The vineyard

The Echezeaux comes from the village of Flagey-Echezeaux, in the Côte de Nuits. The vines grow on a gentle east-facing slope, benefiting from ideal morning sunshine. The terroir consists of brown clay-limestone soils resting on a bedrock of Bajocian limestone. The vineyard is farmed according to the demanding principles of organic and biodynamic agriculture, encouraging deep rooting and an authentic expression of the climat.

The vintage

2023 stands as one of the hottest years recently recorded in Burgundy, even surpassing the temperatures of 2022. Despite this intense heat, the growing season unfolded in excellent conditions, delivering a generous harvest in terms of both volume and quality. The grapes reached optimal ripeness, retaining a fine balance without suffering excessive stress.

Winemaking and ageing

The grapes for this Echezeaux Grand cru 2023 are harvested by hand into small perforated crates to preserve the integrity of the berries, followed by rigorous sorting. In the cellar, fermentations start naturally with indigenous yeasts, respecting the terroir's own rhythm. The wine is then aged in oak barrels made from meticulously selected staves, air-dried for three years, refining the wine while preserving the purity of the fruit.

Grape variety

Pinot Noir (100%).