Domaine d'Eugénie - Grands-Échézeaux Grand Cru 2023
Located in the heart of Vosne-Romanée, Domaine d'Eugénie was born in 2006 from the acquisition of the prestigious Domaine René Engel by the Pinault family, owners notably of Château Latour in Pauillac. Since this takeover, the estate has been committed to preserving an exceptional viticultural heritage while developing a demanding approach to viticulture, combining organic farming, biodynamic practices, and highly precise vinifications. The Grands-Échézeaux is one of the jewels of the estate, with a plot of only 0.50 hectares located at the extreme south of this prestigious Grand Cru appellation of the Côte de Nuits. The vines, about sixty years old, are located immediately above the southwest wall of the Clos de Vougeot, on a slightly sloping hillside exposed to the southeast. They root in relatively deep clay-limestone soils, at about 260 meters altitude. This privileged situation favors a regular ripening of Pinot Noir and contributes to both the aromatic depth and the natural distinction of the wines. More concentrated and structured than its neighbor Échézeaux, Grands-Échézeaux stands out by an exceptional alliance of contained power, refinement, and length on the palate.
The 2023 Grands-Échézeaux is made exclusively from Pinot Noir, from this small plot cultivated according to the principles of organic and biodynamic agriculture. The harvest is carried out manually, with a rigorous selection of grapes to preserve the quality and homogeneity of the crop. For this vintage, the estate retained about 80% whole clusters during vinification, an important proportion that contributes to aromatic complexity, freshness, and finesse of the tannic structure. Fermentation is conducted with particular attention to the softness of extractions, in order to preserve all the delicacy of Pinot Noir despite the natural concentration of the terroir. Aging is then carried out in French oak barrels, with a significant proportion of new wood, controlled to accompany the structure of the wine without dominating its aromatic expression. The 2023 vintage, characterized in Burgundy by generous ripeness and beautiful fruit quality, allowed obtaining a Grand Cru particularly precise, marked more by its elegance and energy than by excessive concentration. This interpretation favors the transparency of the terroir, the finesse of the tannins, and the depth of the matter, in a style that should flourish remarkably with time.
The 2023 Grands-Échézeaux reveals a bouquet of great distinction, combining blackberry, raspberry, and wild strawberry with delicate floral and spicy nuances. On aeration, notes of violet, black tea, and fine spices enrich this aromatic palette, while a subtle mineral dimension brings depth and complexity. The palate is distinguished by a smooth and remarkably elegant texture, supported by tannins of extreme finesse, almost chiseled. The matter has a beautiful density but retains a sensation of lightness and fluidity that underlines the exceptional refinement of this Grand Cru. The fruit expresses itself with precision, accompanied by vibrant freshness and a perfectly proportioned structure, before a long finish, delicately spicy, with notes of black tea and coffee. Still in its youth, this wine has remarkable aging potential and should gradually develop aromas of undergrowth, truffle, dried rose petals, and noble spices. It will ideally accompany roasted pigeon with chanterelles, Rossini beef fillet, herb-crusted rack of lamb, truffled pullet, or fine game birds.
Grape variety: 100% Pinot Noir
