Échezeaux

Though the Échezeaux AOC is reserved for Pinot Noir, a few parcels have seen rare experimental plantings of Chardonnay, producing fascinating white wines outside the appellation rules. These whites are rich and textured, with aromas of pear, citrus blossom, and almond layered over a mineral, flinty core. The limestone soils lend energy and precision, balancing the creamy palate with vibrant acidity. Subtle oak influence adds toast and hazelnut complexity. While they cannot bear the Échezeaux label, such wines mirror the terroir’s nobility—combining depth, elegance, and length. They serve as an intriguing glimpse into how this legendary vineyard might express itself through Burgundy’s other great grape.

The red wines of Échezeaux are celebrated for their seductive balance of perfume, finesse, and structure. Made entirely from Pinot Noir, they offer an alluring bouquet of red cherry, strawberry, rose, and exotic spice, underpinned by subtle earthy and truffled notes. The palate is supple and silky yet possesses enough tannic backbone to age gracefully for decades. Owing to the appellation’s complex mosaic of soils and multiple growers, styles vary—some emphasize elegance and fragrance, others depth and power—but the best Échezeaux wines achieve a seamless harmony of fruit and minerality. They epitomize the refinement of the Côte de Nuits, combining sensuality with quiet strength.