Description
What a treat to find this Premier Cru that is, unusually for Burgundy these days, ready to drink, rather than needing to be cellared. It is extremely appetising with a juicy, smooth palate and a long, mouthwatering finish. It’s over five years old and therefore has the trademark mix of good Pinot Noir with age, with primary fruit flavours along side the tertiary, savoury ones. The result is a fascinating wine that is highly enjoyable too. It can be cellared, but is so good now that you may not be able to wait!
TASTING NOTE: This lovely Premier Cru by Louis Jadot has some maturity, with pale to medium red colour, and telltale garnet hint around the edge of the wine. On the nose: this is classic Red Burgundy with some age. Enjoy the harmonious mix of fruitier notes such as cranberry, compote, orange peel, raspberry, as well as more savoury notes of truffle and game, and a subtle but perfume floral hint too. On the palate: it is fruity and juicy, with fine texture and a freshness that belies its age. It is drinking extremely well now, with gentle tannins that have softened over time and a long, succulent finish. It’s 14% alcohol, well-balanced and wickedly mellow and smooth!
FOOD PAIRING, STORING AND SERVICE: this wine is now seven years old and, in common with good Burgundy in its midlife, it has developed some lovely savoury and umami notes alongside the fruitier flavours. It would pair beautifully with simple grilled or roasted dishes, like a cut of red meat or chicken. Roast or grilled duck is also a classic for Pinot Noir. Or, if you are looking for a more adventurous dish you can pair it with Beef Teriyaki served alongside rice/noodles with some fresh green vegetables on the side. For a vegetarian alternative, try tofu burgers or tofu Teriyaki. Drink now or for the next 2-3 years. It is absolutely delicious now and, while it will keep, there’s no reason not to crack on and enjoy the delicious flavours and smooth, rounded palate.
ABOUT: Louis Jadot was founded in Beaune by Louis Henry Denis Jadot in 1859. In slightly more recent times, Pierre-Henry Gagey ran the business for the Jadot family. They then sold to an American wine importing family, the Kopfs, in 1985, and it is now Thomas Seiter who manages things for them. The Jadot brand covers wines from 150+ appellations, from Beaujolais-Villages to Grand Cru Le Musigny, that have excellent distribution all over the world. The Kopf family have invested in further vineyards in Burgundy, which are very good indeed. But the canny Jadot family held on to so-called ‘Heritiers’ vineyards during the 1985 sale. These vineyards are the smaller plots of Grand and Premier Cru vines that (rightly) they couldn’t bear to part with!!! Everyone remains on good terms, and the grapes from the Heritiers vineyards are vinified by the Jadot team, in the same cellars as all the other Jadot wines, but bottled with the unique ‘Heritiers’ label, so you can tell which is which. The Boucherottes vineyard is located in the south of Beaune, next to the border with Pommard. It’s rich clay soils and excellent sun exposure give a generous, full and flavoursome quality to the wine. This was aided by 15 months ageing in French oak barrels to give a little spice and complexity. Given the price of Pommard next door and the fact that this is a Premier Cru wine, it is a steal!
