Grands-Echezeaux Grand Cru Nicolas Potel 2005

Lot presentation

Grands-Echezeaux Grand Cru Nicolas Potel 2005

The wine

Once called “Les Echézeaux du bas”, this climat became known as Grands Echézeaux in the 19th century. Stretching over a little more than nine hectares covering gentle, east-facing slopes at about 260 metres above sea level, it has clay soil over limestone bedrock.
Thanks to the close partnerships with incredibly talented winegrowers, Nicolas Potel buys carefully grown grapes from three different plots found in the appellation. Harvested by hand, the Pinot Noir is meticulously sorted, then entire bunches are vinified with very little intervention, allowing the terroir to show through.
Throughout the vinification process, the wine is tasted three times a day in order to follow the developing flavours closely. Fermentation takes place over roughly twenty days and is interspersed by punch down and racking. The grapes are pressed gently using a vertical press and then, the must is allowed to settle before being placed in oak barrels. Ageing takes place over 16 months in 228 litre casks with 30% of them being new, without racking and with very small doses of sulphur.
A beautiful ruby red wine, notes of cherry, peony and ginger with subtle toasted hints rise from the glass. Black cherry is the prominent flavour found on the powerful palate which has a wonderful roundness that extends into the ever-lasting finish.

About the Producer Nicolas Potel

This 1997 trading house has gained worldwide fame thanks to its wines from the best parcels of the vineyard of Burgundy following the purchase of the Volnay family property (the Domaine de la Pousse d'Or). It pays attention to the contracts he makes with respectful wine growers, and covers both the Côte de Nuits and the Côte de Beaune. The biodynamic calendar is followed, and the élevage on fine lees lasts 12 to 16 months, without racking, and with a minimum of added sulphur.