1983 Michel Noëllat Echezeaux

Domaine Michel Noellat is in Vosne-Romanee, near Domaine Leroy. The 66-acre estate is owned and operated by brothers Alain and Jean-Marc Noellat, who are the fifth generation to run the enterprise. The brothers’ adult children, cousins Sophie and Sebastian, are now also involved in running the domaine. This large domaine has parcels in numerous appellations from Marsanny-la-Cote to Pommard. There are two Grand Crus, eight Premier Crus and numerous village wines. Altogether Domaine Michel Noellat has nearly 100 parcels in 22 appellations and produces about 90,000 bottles annually. Grand Cru parcels are in Clos Vougeot and Echezeaux. Premier Cru parcels are in both the Cote de Nuits and the Cote de Beaune. The family also has a small negociant business.

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.