Echezeaux Grand Cru Perdrix (Domaine des) 2007

Lot presentation

Echezeaux Grand Cru Perdrix (Domaine des) 2007

The wine

Domaine des Perdrix produces an Echézeaux Grand Cru from Pinot Noir grapes grown in the Echézeaux du Dessus parcel, considered the most prestigious of the appellation, and in the Quartiers de Nuits parcel. The vines are encouraged to soak up the nutrients needed for them to flower from the clay and limestone soils. Clay is the dominant component of the soil, so the wines produced from it boast depth and a velvety texture beyond compare. These wines can be stored in the cellar and have aromas of red and black fruits, sweet spices and liquorice, which over time, develop into hints of leather and humus.
The estate favours hand-harvesting to create this wine as it is the best method to meticulously sort the grapes. The grapes go through four to six days of cold maceration before alcoholic fermentation using indigenous yeasts, and finally there is a two-week post fermentation maceration period. The wine is aged in around 85% new oak barrels for 18 months and then for a further two months in the cellar.

Domaine de Perdrix owes its name to the Nuits-Saint-Georges Aux Perdrix Premier Cru, which is run soley by this domain. This is one of the first vineyards that the Devillard family owned along with the Château de Chamirey and Domaine de la Garenne and Domaine de la Ferté in Burgundy.
As well as superb plots in Côtes de Nuits and Nuits premier crus, the domain produces Vosne and Echézeaux wines. Since the Devillard family took over the domain in 1996, the wines have continued to gain in definition. The family made wise choices such as installing a cooler cellar to allow longer ageing periods with fewer toasted barriques.
The yields are low, the maturity is optimal and the sustainable farming is remarkable. The domain's red wines are powerful whilst still very refined, and they have remarkable ageing potential.