Grands Echezeaux 2020 Robert Sirugue

Tasting Notes

First black cherry, then something more exotic. Rose petals, Indian spices, classic Vosne characteristics: in 2020 the heat of the grapes pushes the fruit forward and the alcohol is a little higher, more intense than usual. However, Sirugue's restrained, traditional approach keeps things in check. The tannins are firm and chalky, and the finish is long and savory. This wine needs time.

Grape Varieties

Grands Echézeaux is Pinot Noir territory. Grand Cru rules do not allow blending partners.

Cellaring Potential

Drink roughly between 2030 and 2050. Concentrated fruit, firm tannins and the chalky grip that Grands Echézeaux is famous for; the acidity is lower than in 2019, so it may peak a little earlier, but it could well last 20 years at 12-14°C.

The Producer

Vosne-Romanée wine has been passed down for four generations, but most wine lovers have never heard of it, because most of the production goes directly to top restaurants, bypassing retail. The Sirugue family has historical ties to the Jayer and Grivot dynasties. Today, Marie-France runs the estate with her brother Jean-Louis and son Arnaud.

Terroir & Climate

Grands Echézeaux is located on a small plateau above the Clos de Vougeot in the commune of Flagey-Echézeaux. The limestone bedrock is overlain by deep clay and this clay is important because it retains moisture throughout the dry summer (such as in 2022) and gives the wine a denser and more lush structure.

Winemaking

All the work is done by hand and the grapes are completely de-stemmed. No whole bunches are used. Cold maceration is then carried out in stainless steel before fermentation to gently extract color and aromas before alcoholic fermentation begins. Each plot is fermented separately, so only the best Grands Echézeaux fruit is included in the final blend. The wine is aged in French oak for 16-18 months, with a moderate amount of new oak. The oak is enough to frame the wine, but not enough to overshadow the vineyard.

Food Pairing

The 2022's density calls for substantial dishes. Try it:

• Roast duck with cherry sauce, where the red fruitiness of the wine meets the sauce.
• Coq au vin, a classic Burgundy dish.
• Game and Pinot Noir are a near-perfect pairing.
• Aged Époisses if you want to emphasize the spiciness.

Serve at 16-17°C. Decant at a young age. Avoid too strong spices when pairing with these unusual wines.