2008 Grand Echezeaux
By Domaine de la Romanee-Conti
2008 Grand Echezeaux from Domaine de la Romanee-Conti, Burgundy, France
In my four-decade tryst with vinous marvels, the 2008 Grand Echezeaux from Domaine de la Romanee-Conti stands out as a testament to the unique virtues of time and terroir. Burgundy enthusiasts may well regard it as a beacon, illuminating a fascinating chapter in the region’s oenological narrative.
Decoding a Rarity: Seasoned Sophistication in a Glass
The 2008 vintage in Burgundy was, by no means, straightforward. The season suffered climatic whimsy – a cool summer punctuated by sudden heat spikes, only to be salvaged by an exceptional Indian summer that led to a late harvest of perfectly ripe fruit. This serendipity birthed a wine that is strikingly different from its siblings, celebrating the serendipitous alchemy of nature and nurture.
Investment Potential: A Vintage That Calls for Connoisseurship
A confluence of factors makes the 2008 Grand Echezeaux compelling; its scarcity coupled with undoubted pedigree, aligns perfectly for shrewd wine investment. This is particularly evocative for Burgundian connoisseurs who appreciate nuance over power and finesse over flamboyance.
As it unfurls in the glass, one might discern a complex bouquet of crushed berries and autumnal underbrush - hallmarks that aficionados have come to laud about these vaunted plots of Grand Echezeaux. The palate showcases a structured yet ethereal tapestry of red fruits laced with subtle oak nuances – a feat only achievable under the attentive Domaine de la Romanee-Conti stewardship.
The patient investor will find rewards in its evolving intricacy; even after fifteen years, this vintage retains ample verve and vibrancy suggestive of extended cellar potential.
A Distillation of Mastery in Mystic Vintage
In conclusion, the intertwining of an initially challenging growing season with the prowess of Domaine de la Romanee-Conti has christened the 2008 Grand Echezeaux as one of those compelling chapters in Burgundian lore; an assemblage of concentration, grace and longevity worthy of investment consideration and a distinguished place in any collector's repertoire. This wine is no mere libation; it is a chronicle of adaptation and excellence poured into an exquisite vessel of historical narrative.
Market price (GBP)
£27,770.00
12x75cl
Highest score
95
POP score
1851.33
Scores and tasting notes
The 2008 Grands-Echezeaux is a stunningly beautiful wine. Exotic notes of star anise, fennel, hard candy and orange peel meld into a deep core of expressive fruit. The 2008 Grands-Echezeaux is powerful from start to finish, with endless layers of flavor that grow in the glass. It is a spherical, multi-dimensional Burgundy in need of at least a few years in the cellar, perhaps quite a few. Anticipated maturity: 2023-2038. tasted the 2008s in bottle in late June 2011 after having gone through the 2010s from barrel. Aubert de Villaine describes 2008 as a difficult vintage with a lot of rain. Botrytis was an issue and the vineyards required constant attention. On September 14 the weather changed dramatically. A steady north wind dried out the grapes and concentrated sugars quickly, which also reduced the size of the berries. A further selection of fruit lowered yields to an even greater extent, resulting in overall production that is as much as 50% lower than normal for the Domaine. As for the wines, they are magnificent in my view, but will require considerable patience. Importer: Wilson-Daniels, St. Helena, CA; tel. (707) 963-9661
Antonio Galloni - The Wine Advocate, 29 September 2011