2012 Domaine Chevigny-Rousseau Echezeaux Grand Cru

Domaine Chevigny-Rousseau is a family-owned estate based in Vosne-Romanée, France. The estate was originally founded in 1947 by Lucien Chevigny, who planted the first vines in the Vosne-Romanée area. The domaine's name is derived from the combination of the surnames "Chevigny" and "Rousseau" on both sides of the family. The estate's current owner, Pascal Chevigny, took over in 1984 and has continued to build its reputation.

The vineyard covers approximately 4 hectares and focuses primarily on Pinot Noir, with additional parcels in prestigious locations such as Grand Crus in Vosne-Romanée. The winery adheres to sustainable farming practices, following the lutte raisonnée approach, and has certifications for environmentally friendly practices. Chevigny-Rousseau is known for its meticulous attention to terroir and traditional winemaking methods, including hand harvesting, natural yeast fermentation and aging in oak barrels.

Échezeaux was officially designated a Grand Cru vineyard in 1937, marking its status as one of the finest Burgundian wines. It covers approximately 37 hectares, divided into 11 climats, or vineyard parcels, each offering subtle variations in terroir. These different microclimates contribute to the unique character of each Échezeaux producer’s wine. The Échezeaux terroir is known for its chalky soils, mixed with clay, which provide an ideal environment for growing Pinot Noir. The vineyard is located on a gentle slope with good drainage and varying altitudes, which ensures excellent sun exposure and produces grapes with concentrated flavors.

Wines from Échezeaux are typically described as having a rich bouquet of red and dark fruits such as cherries, blackberries and plums, along with earthy and spicy notes such as truffles, licorice and sometimes hints of oak from barrel ageing. These wines are known for their silky tannins, refined structure and long, elegant finish. They can be enjoyed young, but they really shine after a few years of age, developing more nuanced and complex aromas over time. Échezeaux Grand Cru is often overshadowed by its even more famous neighbour, Romanée-Conti, but it remains a highly respected and coveted wine in Burgundy.