Echezeaux 2012 G. Mugneret Gibourg

The 2012 Echezeaux Grand Cru comes from two parcels in “Les Rouges du Bas” and “Les Quartiers de Nuits” that are blended together. This year the parcels, especially in the former, were severely affected by frost and coulure and so instead of the usual ten barrels there is just four. And perhaps as a consequence the bouquet seems just a little denuded of its usual complexity and nuance, over-shadowed by the premier crus, even though it still offers some lovely pure raspberry and redcurrant fruit. The palate is medium-bodied with very fine tannins and compensates for the aromatics: wonderful structure here and focus with a crystalline finish that linger long and tenderly in the mouth. Graceful.