Presentation
The Grands Echezeaux Domaine de la Romanée-Conti 2001 is a grand cru red Burgundy from one of the most revered domaines in the world. Coming from the prestigious Grands Echezeaux climat in the Côte de Nuits, this wine embodies the depth, finesse and complexity that have made the domaine legendary. The 2001 vintage, classic and finely balanced, offers an expression of remarkable precision, where aromatic delicacy is supported by a refined yet persistent structure. This is a contemplative wine, destined for experienced enthusiasts who seek nuance, length and a sense of place in every glass.
Origin and Winemaking
- The terroir of Grands Echezeaux is located between Echezeaux and Clos de Vougeot, on well-drained limestone and clay-limestone soils. The mid-slope exposure and the fine mesoclimate favour slow, even ripening, giving wines of great density yet natural elegance.
- The wine is crafted from Pinot Noir, the emblematic grape of Burgundy. In this grand cru, Pinot Noir reveals a particularly complex, deep and spicy character, with an exceptional ability to translate the nuances of the vintage and the parcel.
- Vinification traditionally involves careful sorting of the grapes, gentle extraction and élevage in French oak barrels, with a significant proportion of new oak. This patient maturation allows the tannins to refine and the bouquet to gain in harmony, while preserving the purity of the fruit and the precision of the terroir.
Tasting
- Appearance The wine shows a deep ruby colour with garnet nuances on the rim, testimony to its evolution, while still retaining brilliance and intensity typical of a great Pinot Noir from a noble terroir.
- Nose The bouquet is complex and layered, suggesting notes of black cherry, ripe raspberry and wild strawberry, interwoven with hints of dried rose, peony, undergrowth, truffle and subtle spices. Fine touches of cedar, tobacco leaf and delicate oak complete an aromatic profile of great refinement.
- Palate On the palate, the texture is silky yet concentrated, with ultra-fine tannins and a perfectly balanced acidity. Flavours of red and black fruits mingle with savoury, almost umami notes, leading to a very long, precise finish. The wine unfolds gradually, gaining depth and complexity with aeration.
Food Pairing & Moments
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This grand cru pairs wonderfully with refined dishes such as:
- roast duck or pigeon with a red wine reduction,
- game birds with mushrooms or truffle,
- veal or beef tenderloin with jus,
- mature but not overly strong cheeses from Burgundy or the Alps.
- It is ideal for special occasions, intimate gastronomic dinners or vertical tastings of the domaine’s wines, where its complexity and maturity can be appreciated in a calm, attentive setting.
Cellaring Potential and Service
- The minimum drinking window now comfortably encompasses the present, with the 2001 vintage offering full maturity, while preserving freshness and definition.
- Well-stored bottles still have a notable ageing potential, allowing further development of tertiary aromas over the coming years, depending on storage conditions.
- Serve at a temperature of around 15–16 °C, after gentle decanting of 1 to 2 hours to allow the bouquet to open fully while respecting its delicacy.