1996 Jayer-Gilles Echezeaux du Dessus

Domaine Jayer-Gilles is run by Gilles Jayer, son of Robert Jayer. Robert is a cousin of the late, legendary Henri Jayer. The 24-acre estate based in Magny Les Villers includes Grand Cru parcels in Echezeaux and Premier Cru Nuits-Saint-Georges. The large Jayer family is one of Burgundy’s most famous winemaking families.

Echezeaux is a 93-acre Grand Cru vineyard on the southern edge of the Cote de Nuits. It up the slope from Clos de Vougeot and Grands Echezeaux and is one of the largest grand crus in Burgundy. The vineyard varies in elevation from 250 to 300 meters, and the terroir includes significant clay as well as thin, rocky soil. The largest proprietors are Domaine de la Romanee Conti, with 11.68 acres; Mongeard-Mugneret with 6.25 acres, and Emmanuel-Rouget, with 3.58 acres. Echezeaux produces red wine.

This red wine is relatively light and can pair with a wide variety of foods. The grape prefers cooler climates and the wine is most often associated with Burgundy, Champagne and the U.S. west coast. Regional differences make it nearly as fickle as it is flexible.