Joseph Drouhin Échezeaux Grand Cru 2012

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.