This week we are excited (for the 150th Open Championship to commence) but also to feature the newest releases from Domaine Sylvie Esmonin. We selected these wines as a great representation of what this coveted Domaine has to offer.
Sylvie's grandfather worked for the Comte de Moucheron, former sole owners of the great Clos St Jacques vineyard. When the Comte had to sell, Esmonin bought a portion of the vineyard along with his house. Michel Esmonin, Sylvie's father, helped to develop the domaine, but sold the wines mostly in bulk. Sylvie came back to help her father on the condition that everything was bottled at the domaine, and she is now in sole charge.
The 2019 Bourgogne Rouge Cuvee Sylvie comes from 65-year-old vines south of the village. 100% de-stemmed, no new oak while the 2019 Gevrey Chambertin bottling comes from 45+ year-old vines from 4 hectares of assorted parcels. 30% whole cluster fermentation, aged in 20% new oak. These are both beautiful wines that can be enjoyed in their youth.
She is one of only five producers to make Clos Saint-Jacques, which is widely believed to be one of the best wines in all of Burgundy without a Grand Cru designation. The 2019 Clos Saint-Jacques is a terrific value compared to some of the contemporaries that produce wines from this vineyard.
What to say about a vintage ending in 9?
Small quantities but balanced and ripe with nice acidities...