1996 Henri Clerc et Fils Echezeaux

Domaine Henri Clerc et Fils dates from the 16th century, and it was run by the Clerc family until 2002, when nearly 30 acres were sold off to Vincent Girardin. But the Clerc family still has more than 20 acres of vineyards, including parcels in the Grand Cru vineyards of Chevalier-Montrachet, Batard-Montrachet and Bienvenues-Batard-Montrachet.

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.