Echézeaux, Domaine d'Eugénie 2019

The 2019 Echézeaux Grand Cru is almost understated on the nose, touches of wet limestone and flint permeating the fresh black fruit and a subtle brine note loitering in the background. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins and fresh acidity. The 70% whole bunch lends a dash of black pepper toward a finish that is full of tension. Good length and plenty of finesse. This will evolve into a very fine 2019. 2025 - 2050

A discreet application of wood frames notes of soy, hoisin, star anise, black raspberry and plenty of floral nuances. There is impressive mid-palate density to the seductively textured larger-scaled flavors that coat the palate with sappy dry extract on the precise, very firm and serious finale where the impression of structure arrives just at the end. This markedly compact effort is clearly built-to-age and I would suggest not touching a bottle before 10 years of age. In a word, excellent. Note: from a .55 ha parcel in En Orveaux with vines planted in 1924 and 1979; 70% whole clusters Drink: 2034+

The holding slopes gently northwards and benefits from old vines – even the youngest are over 40 now. 70% whole bunch vinification and four new barrels in six. Glowing purple with a dark centre. Starts gently then the dark fruit absolutely races away. A little touch of sucrosity, good acidity, balanced and delightful. Very solid more than nuanced. But note that the malolactic fermentation as late here. Tasted: November 2020