Jean-Yves Bizot Echezeaux Grand Cru 2008

Jean-Yves Bizot's strict and uncompromising standards in the vineyards and his enviable old–vine parcels in Vosne-Romanée combine to give a stellar lineup of miniscule production red Burgundies built for the long haul. Bizot is a professor of viticulture and oenology in Beaune who lives in Vosne across the street from Henri Jayer’s old residence. The two vignerons had neighboring parcels in Vosne and used to discuss vinfication from time to time while working their vines. Bizot decided to adapt some of Jayer’s techniques in his own cellar (in particular cooler temperatures for pre-fermentation), although there are many important differences as Bizot uses exclusively whole clusters, works his vineyards organically, and eschews the use of SO2 during vinification and élevage. Bizot's top-notch Burgundies somehow still fly mostly under the radar, but the distinct and rigorous philosophy that he has forged for his domaine ensure that it will be a model for future generations in Burgundy. Bizot’s wines need time to open up and reveal their character. Even the village A.O.C. Vosne-Romanée will use about five years of aging to great advantage. All of his Vosne-Romanées require the patience of a premier cru. Bizot recently made some exciting purchases in the far north of the Côtes-de-Nuits, terroirs that he believes are under-appreciated by the current generation but were very well known and highly regarded centuries ago–both vineyards are just south of Dijon: Bourgogne “Le Chapitre” and Marsannay “Clos du Roy”, and both are old-vine parcels. His range is completed by his magnificent Bourgogne Blanc that comes from an old parcel of sélection massale Chardonnay right next to Clos de Vougeot. Bizot’s wines, bottled by hand, barrel by barrel, without filtration, are serious Burgundies for the patient connoisseur, emphasizing purity, subtlety and elegance.