A very elegant and refined Echezeaux that nimbly moves over your palate. Underplayed power and very fine tannins make this a shy beauty, but if you give it time and attention then you will be amply rewarded. Very silky and delicate, long finish. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold.

This is aromatically quite similar to the Clos de Vougeot but with markedly more spice and floral elements to be appreciated. There is good volume to the relatively finely textured medium-bodied flavors that coat the palate with sappy dry extract that also helps to buffer the firm tannins supporting the powerful, serious and built-to-age finale that delivers sneaky good length.

Clos Frantin produces this from its hectare of Champs Traversins. The grapes were fermented with a partial inclusion of whole clusters and aged 14-18 months in cask, 50-70% new. The wine has a bright, forward cherry fruit accented with baking spice and smoke. The texture is lighter than some, fresh and lively, although it is a bit sharp and somewhat astringent at this stage. One hopes that time will soften the edges. (Drink between 2027-2045)

The 2020 Echézeaux Grand Cru has a more tertiary nose. There are some whole bunches here, and touches of dried blood and undergrowth come through. I appreciate how this gradually unfolds. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, though it feels contained and compact and doesn't fully "flow" on the finish as I was hoping. I feel that the whole bunches need time to assimilate fully. This could go either of two ways, making it difficult to score. Tasted blind at the Burgfest tasting. - Neal Martin