Joseph Drouhin Échezeaux Grand Cru 2012

Special Price $279.95 Average US Price $451.00
Out of stock
SKU
1733-2012

• Domaine: Joseph Drouhin
• Appellation: Échezeaux Grand Cru
• Classification: Grand Cru
• Origin: Côte de Nuits, Côte-d’Or, Burgundy (Bourgogne), France

Joseph Drouhin was founded in 1880 in Beaune, Burgundy, by Joseph Drouhin. The estate remains family-owned and is currently managed by the fourth generation of the Drouhin family. Joseph Drouhin owns and leases vineyards across some of the most prestigious appellations in Burgundy, including Côte de Beaune, Côte de Nuits, Chablis, and Beaujolais. Their extensive vineyard holdings allow them to produce a wide range of wines, from village-level to Grand Cru. Some of Joseph Drouhin's most iconic wines include their Clos des Mouches Premier Cru from Beaune, their Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru from the Côte de Nuits, and their Montrachet Grand Cru from the Côte de Beaune. These wines consistently receive high praise from critics and wine enthusiasts for their elegance, complexity, and aging potential. 

Limestone is a dominant soil type in many of Joseph Drouhin's vineyards, particularly in the Côte de Beaune. Limestone-rich soils are prized for their ability to impart minerality and finesse to the wines. These soils often contain high levels of calcium carbonate, which can vary in texture from compacted limestone to crumbly marl. Clay soils are prevalent in both the Côte de Beaune and the Côte de Nuits, providing structure and richness to the wines. Clay soils have excellent water retention properties, ensuring vines have access to moisture during dry periods. The presence of clay can contribute to the development of powerful, full-bodied wines with velvety tannins. Marl is a mixture of clay and limestone and is commonly found in Burgundy's vineyards. Marl soils offer a balance between drainage and water retention, promoting vine health and grape ripening. Wines produced from grapes grown in marl soils often exhibit a harmonious balance of fruitiness, acidity, and minerality. Some of Joseph Drouhin's vineyards may even contain pockets of gravel and sand, particularly in lower-lying areas. The diverse soil composition of Joseph Drouhin vineyards plays a crucial role in shaping the quality and character of their wines, reflecting the richness and complexity of Burgundy's terroir.

Echezeaux is produced in the commune of Flagey-Echezeaux. The name comes from « chezal » (plural « chezeaux »): a hamlet. The pronunciation, « Echeuzaux » (Ay-sheu-zo), is unchanged to this day, in spite of the accent placed on the name in the 20th Century. Before the presence of the vineyard, there was an important agricultural estate cultivated by the monks of the Abbey of Saint-Vivant.

2012 is a great and very rare vintage. In 2012, wines were structured and the tannins were slightly marked. Depending on the localisation, the wines are more heterogeneous and some of them can be drunk whereas others need time. 

The primary grape variety used in this wine is Pinot Noir. Pinot Noir is the signature red grape of Burgundy and is renowned for its ability to reflect the terroir of the region. Elegance and perfection, two of Joseph Drouhin's tenets. This vintage has a bright and intense color. A full palette of aromas reminiscent of stone fruit (cherry, peach, apricot), cocoa, exotic wood (cedar). On the palate, the texture is like silk and velvet. In the aftertaste, the same touch of dark chocolate is in evidence. Extremely long aftertaste.

 


More Information
Stock Status Out of Stock
Vintage 2012
Brand Joseph Drouhin
Shipping Weight 3.000000

 

Échezeaux is a prestigious Grand Cru vineyard located in the Côte de Nuits subregion of Burgundy, specifically within the commune of Flagey-Échezeaux. Nestled between the communes of Vosne-Romanée and Chambolle-Musigny, it sits on the mid-slope of the Côte d'Or escarpment. The appellation covers just over 37 hectares, making it one of the larger Grand Cru vineyards in Burgundy. Its proximity to other legendary sites, such as Clos de Vougeot and Romanée-Conti, enhances its reputation and strategic importance in Burgundy’s viticultural landscape.

The history of Échezeaux dates back to at least the 13th century, when it was cultivated by the monks of the Cîteaux Abbey, who played a vital role in shaping the viticultural heritage of Burgundy. Over the centuries, the vineyard gained widespread renown for the quality of its wines. On 31 July 1937, Échezeaux was officially granted Grand Cru status under the Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée (AOC) system. Today, the vineyard is highly fragmented, with over 80 owners, resulting in a diversity of winemaking styles and expressions of the terroir.

Échezeaux is a highly fragmented vineyard, with over 80 owners, contributing to a broad range of interpretations of its terroir. The vineyard is composed of multiple climats, or named parcels, each imparting subtle variations in soil composition, elevation, and microclimate. These nuances, combined with the individuality of each producer’s style, result in wines of notable diversity and complexity.

As with all red Grand Crus in the Côte de Nuits, Pinot Noir is the sole grape variety permitted in Échezeaux. The wines are celebrated for their ruby-red color and aromatic elegance. They typically exhibit vibrant aromas of cherry, raspberry, and plum, often layered with floral notes, earthy undertones, and a touch of spice. 

Laguna Cellar presents Domaine Joseph Drouhin and Domaine Arnoux-Lachaux

 

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