2010 Grands Echezeaux

The 2010 Grands Echezeaux speaks eloquently about the virtues of finesse. Weightless and gracious, the wine floats across the palate with sweet red berries, crushed flowers and exotic spices. The aromas and flavors flesh out in all directions. High-toned floral notes add the upper register, while the fruit gains weight and depth with time in the glass. Today the Grands-Echezeaux is totally expressive and complete. Anticipated maturity: 2020-2030. It is always fascinating to settle in for a tasting with proprietor Mounir Saouma. With the exception of Jadot, I can't think of a single maison that draws across such a broad range of top vineyards. When taken together, the whites and reds provide insight to the performance of dozens of the finest sites in the region. Saouma is not much for comparisons when discussing 2010, saying quite simply, -2010 is 2010.- The vintage was not without some disappointments. Because of the miniscule yields, there is no 2010 Romanee St. Vivant or Richebourg. As always, these are some of the most unmanipulated wines being made in Burgundy. When I tasted the 2010s in November 2011, the wines had never been sulphured or racked. Saouma had just finished bottling his 2009s (a vintage many bottled on the early side) in October 2011! Importers: Vintus LLC, Pleasantville, NY; tel. (914) 769-3000, Atherton Imports, Menlo Park, CA; tel. (650) 328-6639

(from chalky soil): Good bright, deep red. Fine, vibrant aromas of tangy red berries, rose petal and mint. The palate offers exhilarating precision and lift to the pristine flavors of pomegranate, raspberry and crushed stone. Wonderfully taut, pure wine; still youthfully tight but the extremely long finish boasts compelling perfume and a fine dusting of tannins. An outstanding expression of limestone.

The 2010 Grands Echezeaux speaks eloquently about the virtues of finesse. Weightless and gracious, the wine floats across the palate with sweet red berries, crushed flowers and exotic spices. The aromas and flavors flesh out in all directions. High-toned floral notes add the upper register, while the fruit gains weight and depth with time in the glass. Today the Grands-Echezeaux is totally expressive and complete. Anticipated maturity: 2020-2030. ||It is always fascinating to settle in for a tasting with proprietor Mounir Saouma. With the exception of Jadot, I can't think of a single maison that draws across such a broad range of top vineyards. When taken together, the whites and reds provide insight to the performance of dozens of the finest sites in the region. Saouma is not much for comparisons when discussing 2010, saying quite simply, -2010 is 2010.- The vintage was not without some disappointments. Because of the miniscule yields, there is no 2010 Romanee St. Vivant or Richebourg. As always, these are some of the most unmanipulated wines being made in Burgundy. When I tasted the 2010s in November 2011, the wines had never been sulphured or racked. Saouma had just finished bottling his 2009s (a vintage many bottled on the early side) in October 2011! Wine Advocate.February, 2012