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Côte de Nuits
Domaine d'Eugénie
1 in stock
ROBERT PARKER " The 2012 Grands Echezeaux Grand Cru comes from the domaine’s 0.5-hectare parcel located on the southern extremity of the vineyard. It has an explosive nose that at least in barrel, appears much more convincing than the Echezeaux, offering vibrant dark berry fruit, hints of cassis, candied orange peel and minerals. The palate is medium-bodied with very smooth polished tannins on the entry, deep dark plum and blackberry fruit with fine tannins. It needs just a little more tension towards the finish as it glides across the mouth, but it is very composed and long. This is a very competent Grands Echezeaux.
Just as the Right Bank rarely fraternizes with the Left Bank, so Bordeaux and Burgundy have fostered a mutual indifference, one that is incomprehensible to outsiders who revere them as the king and queen of fine wine. There are odd exceptions to the rule, but I for one will always remember a conversation when one of the big cheeses of Bordeaux had not a clue about “Domaine de la Romanee-Conti”. When the untimely passing Philippe Engel led to his vineyards falling into the hands of Francois Pinault, one of the wealthiest men in France and proprietor of Chateau Latour, there were Pinot-tinged murmurings that his coveted holdings ought to have remained in calloused Burgundian hands, a vigneron who could exploit them in a traditional manner. And if the Bordelais find that unpalatable, then it is exactly the same there. Just ask Edouard Labruyere of Jacques Prieur who had “Go home Bourguignon” graffiti daubed on the walls of Chateau Rouget when his family bought it. And whilst I uphold Philippe Engel as one of the truly great vignerons of recent years, time moves on and it was important to approach the estate, re-born as Domaine d’Eugenie with an open mind and to keep in mind that a Burgundy winemaker was installed at the helm. I have tasted at their cellars twice before. Initially, I felt that the wines seemed over-eager to impress. The delicate, magical touch of Philippe Engel is not something that can be replicated by effort alone. Terroir gives you the quality of clay. Money can buy that. But it is the winemakers’ hands the mold it. Not having tasted the last couple of vintages, I was intrigued to find out for myself how Domaine d’Eugenie has grown, whether it has “settled down” into Burgundy and become part of the fabric of this tightly knit, parochial community. Frederic Engerer, president at Chateau Latour, had flown in that morning as we ran through both the 2011s and 2012s with winemaker Michel Mallard. The winery itself is spick and span, a functional winery with plenty of space to work in, though there is still building work going on. In 2012, the winery was confronted with the same challenges as everyone else. Harvest commenced on 19 September with the Clos d’Eugenie vineyard and finishes in “Les Communes”. Following the purchase of vines from Etienne de Montille last year, the domaine now produces a miniscule amount of white, and when I write “miniscule” we are talking just half-a-barrel for the Meursault and Batard-Montrachet, barely a droplet for the Montrachet. The wines have certainly been fine-tuned since I last tasted them. They are more nuanced than before, partly because of some excellent use of whole clusters, although there is still a little way to go in terms of capturing the magic of those vineyards. If asked to pinpoint something that I am looking for, it would be that abstract notion “effortlessness”. Taste a truly great Burgundy and there is a feeling that it is totally unaware of its breeding and class, whereas these wines just come across as eager to prove their class, as if to say, “Look at me…I am a Grands Echezeaux”. The one exception to that is the Clos de Vougeot: one of the best that you will find in 2012, brimming over with vigor, complexity and personality – a wine that really gets to the heart of what that historical vineyard is all about. "
Category: Côte de Nuits, Burgundy, France, Grand Cru, Pinot Noir, Red, Wine
Domaine d’Eugenie Grands represents a distinguished producer committed to excellence and terroir expression. Through meticulous viticulture and precise winemaking, the estate has built a reputation for producing wines of exceptional quality, balance, and aging potential. Each vintage reflects the philosophy of minimal intervention and respect for the natural character of the vineyard.
The domaine’s commitment to sustainable farming practices, selective harvesting, and gentle cellar techniques ensures that every bottle expresses the purest characteristics of its origin, delivering wines that speak eloquently of their place and vintage.
The vineyard benefits from ideal soil composition, optimal exposition, and a microclimate that favors gradual ripening and aromatic development. The terroir’s unique characteristics—including limestone-rich soils, excellent drainage, and strategic positioning on the slope—create perfect conditions for producing grapes of exceptional concentration and complexity.
Old vines with deep root systems access mineral-rich subsoils, producing fruit of remarkable intensity while maintaining the freshness and balance essential for world-class wine. Hand-harvesting at optimal maturity ensures only the finest fruit enters the cellar.
The 2012 vintage presented ideal growing conditions that allowed for exceptional fruit development and optimal ripeness. Favorable weather throughout the season—balanced sunshine, timely rainfall, and cool nights—preserved natural acidity while achieving full phenolic maturity. The harvest occurred under perfect conditions, yielding grapes of remarkable quality and balance.
This vintage is celebrated for producing wines with both immediate appeal and impressive aging potential, combining generous fruit expression with the structure and complexity that define truly great wine. Critics and collectors alike have praised 2012 for its harmony, depth, and classical character.
Serve at optimal temperature (16-18°C for reds, 10-12°C for whites) in appropriate stemware to showcase the wine’s aromatic complexity and textural refinement. Decanting is recommended to allow the wine to breathe and express its full character, particularly for younger vintages with firm tannin structure.
Exceptional pairings:
This wine is crafted for both current enjoyment and extended cellaring, offering flexibility based on personal preference. For those seeking immediate pleasure, the wine is approachable now with generous fruit and integrated structure. Collectors interested in witnessing full evolution should cellar bottles for 5-10 years, allowing tertiary complexity to emerge while maintaining core vibrancy.
Optimal aging conditions include horizontal storage in a cool (12-14°C), dark environment with stable humidity and minimal vibration. Under proper conditions, the wine will continue to develop gracefully, revealing deeper layers of complexity while preserving the essential character that defines its quality and origin.
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€ 540,00 (ex VAT)
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