Domaine Confuron-Gindre - Echézeaux Grand Cru 2021

This Echezeaux is in a class of its own.

Domaine Confuron-Gindre was established six generations ago in Vosne-Romanée and is located on Rue de La Tâche. A great sign! Though they don't own the monopoly of La Tâche (Domaine Romanée-Conti does), François Confuron-Gindre owns a myriad of ideally located vineyards in Vosne-Romanée and a smattering in Nuits-St-Georges and Gevrey-Chambertin. The Domaine accounts for 11 hectares, with five village wines, across the aforementioned villages; four Premier Crus in Vosne-Romanée; and the one Grand Cru from Échezeaux. A blessing, considering Vosne-Romanée is the Holy Grail for Pinot Noir lovers. The Domaine has been under the radar for quite some time, but since Edouard, Francois's son, is gradually taking over, the word is now out.

The Echezeaux comes from a ​​0.3-hectare plot, with shallow soil providing great drainage for the roots. The vines are between 50 and 90 years old and are afflicted by millerandage, resulting in smaller, concentrated berries, which provide brilliant fruit concentration. The fine tannin structure is superb. This wine spends 18 months in 50% new oak.

The bouquet bursts from the glass with purple florals and aromas of ripe cherry, strawberry and hints of coffee bean. The palate has a deep, juicy fruit profile with raspberries and dark cherries that drive the phenolic green tea acidity and tannin. It can be enjoyed with venison, veal, duck, quail, kangaroo, smoked meats and charred eggplant. Drink now with a one-hour decant or age till 2030+.

From Treux and Les Rouges. Huge deep dark colour. Dark dense purple, a slight cooked element to the nose. Better purer denser in the mouth though still beyond my ideal point and with a notably drier finish. Still, the fruit bursts back afterwards to leave hope for the future. I shall be cautious now. 92-94 points, Jasper Morris, Inside Burgundy.

100% Pinot Noir