Presentation
The
Grands Echezeaux Domaine de la Romanée-Conti 2001 is a grand cru red Burgundy that embodies the depth and refinement of the Côte de Nuits at the dawn of the 21st century. Coming from one of the most revered domaines in the world, this wine offers a sculpted, profound expression of Pinot Noir, where power is always guided by precision and finesse. The 2001 vintage, classic and balanced in Burgundy, has given a wine of great aromatic complexity, more about harmony and length than sheer opulence, destined for contemplative tasting by experienced enthusiasts.
Origin and Winemaking
- The terroir of Grands Echezeaux is located between Echezeaux and Clos de Vougeot, on well-drained limestone-clay soils with excellent exposure. This mosaic of fine, shallow soils produces wines of remarkable intensity, combining structure, depth and a saline, finely carved finish.
- The wine is 100% Pinot Noir, the emblematic grape of Burgundy, here at its most noble expression: small yields, old vines and meticulous work in the vineyard, with a strong emphasis on balance and maturity rather than excess richness.
- Vinification at the domaine is traditional and precise: manual harvest with strict sorting, fermentation in vats with gentle extraction, then long ageing in French oak barrels, a significant proportion of which is new. The oak is used to refine the tannins and support the aromatic complexity without overshadowing the purity of the fruit and the identity of the cru.
Tasting
- Appearance
Deep ruby colour with garnet reflections on the rim, a limpid and still vibrant robe that testifies to careful ageing and remarkable freshness for its age.
- Nose
Complex and slowly unfurling bouquet: notes of black cherry, raspberry and wild strawberry, evolving towards dried rose, undergrowth, truffle and subtle gamey hints. Fine touches of spice, cedar and tobacco leaf complete an intricately layered aromatic profile.
- Palate
The attack is silky yet precise, with a dense but perfectly integrated tannic structure. The mid-palate is expansive, carried by a lively, elongated acidity that stretches the wine across the palate. Flavours of ripe red and black fruits mingle with floral notes, sweet spices and a savoury, almost umami depth, leading to a long, chiselled, mineral finish.
Food Pairing & Tasting Occasions
- Ideal gastronomic pairings include:
- roast pigeon or duck with cherries,
- veal or lamb with morels,
- game birds, refined jus and truffle-based sauces,
- aged but not overpowering cheeses such as Comté or Tomme.
- This wine shines during intimate, contemplative meals, for a great vintage opening, or for a high-level food and wine pairing dinner where time and attention can be devoted to its evolution in the glass.
Cellaring Potential and Serving
- The minimum optimal drinking window for this vintage generally begins around 15–20 years after harvest. At this stage, many bottles are in a superb phase of maturity, combining tertiary complexity and preserved freshness.
- The ageing potential remains significant; properly stored bottles can continue to evolve gracefully over the next decade, depending on storage conditions and the taster’s preference for more or less evolved profiles.
- Serve ideally between 15 and 17°C, after careful opening 1 to 2 hours in advance. Decanting can be envisaged for younger-feeling bottles, with a gentle approach to preserve the delicacy of the bouquet.
