1987 Rene Engel Echezeaux

Rene Engel was a 21-acre domaine in Burgundy’s Cote de Nuits. It was highly regarded by wine writers and collectors for its Grand Cru Clos de Vougeot, Grand-Echezeaux, Echezeaux, and Vosne-Romanee. Clive Coates wrote that the domaine made wine “of great intensity, splendid style and individuality and real power to last.” However in 2005 Philippe Engel, son of Rene, died at age 49. The estate’s 2005 cuvees were sold in bulk and the estate itself was sold to Francois Pinault, owner of Chateau Latour. There is no longer a domaine Rene Engel.

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.