Philippe Pacalet Échézeaux Grand Cru 2022

Philippe Pacalet works one of Burgundy's grand cru sites at Échézeaux, on the lower slopes of Vosne-Romanée in the Côte de Nuits. The Pinot Noir comes from vines around 45 years old, rooted in clay and limestone with sandy and ferrous components, farmed biodynamically and facing southeast for a sunny, airy aspect. The limestone gives the wine its acidity and a fine mineral grip, while the older vines bring concentration at modest yields. Pacalet ferments the whole clusters with their own indigenous yeasts over about four weeks, a method that adds aromatic lift, gentle structure from the stems and a savoury, spiced character rather than overt extraction. Ageing in used oak limits new wood and keeps the focus on fruit and site. The colour is medium ruby. The nose leads with red cherry, wild raspberry and rose, with forest floor, earth and a touch of leather behind. The palate is medium bodied, with fine tannins, bright acidity and a long, mineral finish. Serve at 16 degrees in a large Burgundy glass, ideally decanted for half an hour. It suits roast duck, mushroom dishes and lean cuts of beef.