1969 Joseph Drouhin Grands-Echezeaux

Joseph Drouhin, the company’s founder, began his winery in Beaune in 1880.  His grandson, Robert Drouhin, the current patriarch, probably deserves the most acclaim for making his firm the Burgundy leader that it is today.  Robert headed Maison Joseph Drouhin from 1957 until he “officially” retired in 2003, although he remains Chairman of the Board.  Among his more momentous moves, which include abandoning the use of chemical fertilizers in the vineyards and not filtering his wines in almost all cases, Robert Drouhin was among the first producers in France to appoint a woman, Laurence Jobard, as oenologist/ winemaker, in 1976.  Laurence remains chief oenologist today. Four young Drouhins run the firm today; eldest son Frédéric is chief executive officer; Philippe oversees all estate properties, including Oregon; Véronique, a trained oenologist, is the winemaker for Domaine Drouhin Oregon (DDO) and also plays a key role in all winemaking decisions for Drouhin wines; and youngest son Laurence, with his headquarters now in New York, is in charge of sales in the U.S. Drouhin follows biodynamic principles in the vineyards they own; organic farming is being practiced throughout all Drouhin properties.

Tasting Notes - "This is really singing and offers a lovely aromatic profile of the vestiges of spicy red Pinot fruit with fully mature notes (but no sous bois) that lead to vibrant, pure, precise and balanced flavors that culminate in a long, sweet and seductive finish. Given how most '69s are in decline at this point, the quality and vibrancy here is impressive."