Joseph Drouhin Grands Echezeaux Grand Cru 2014 750ml

The 2014 Grands Echézeaux Grand Cru was picked on September 18 and contains 15% whole cluster fruit, bottled in August 2015. It has a refined nose, not the most complex that I encountered during my tasting, clean and pure, maybe conservative with chalky scents developing. The palate is medium-bodied with slightly chewy tannin, a little aggressive here with an attenuated finish. This is the one Grand Cru that I did not get — maybe not showing on the day? Though it is already in bottle…I wonder if that was too soon? Let’s see how this turns out.

• Country: France
• Region: Burgundy
• Appellation: Cote De Nuits
• Sub Appellation: Grands Echezeaux
• Size: 750ml
• Color: Red

Varietal

Pinot Noir

Regularly described as being the grape varietal responsible for producing the world’s most romantic wines, Pinot Noir has long been associated with elegance and a broad range of flavors The name means ‘black pine’ in French, and this is due to the fact that the fruit of this particular varietal is especially dark in color, and hangs in a conical shape, like that of a pine cone. Despite being grown today in almost every wine producing country, Pinot Noir is a notoriously difficult grape variety to cultivate. This is because it is especially susceptible to various forms of mold and mildew, and thrives best in steady, cooler climates. However, the quality of the fruit has ensured that wineries and vintners have persevered with the varietal, and new technologies and methods have overcome many of the problems it presents. Alongside this, the wide popularity and enthusiasm for this grape has ensured it will remain a firm favorite amongst wine drinkers for many years to come.