Wine Advisor
Rene Engel, Echezeaux Grand Cru 2003
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Description
Tasting notes
Reviewed by: Neal Martin
The nose is very fragrant though without the intensity of the Echezeaux from Confuron-Contetidot. Raspberry, wild strawberry and a touch of orange zest. The palate is very elegant and refined - suave. Smooth tannins, very harmonious though it lacks the length to warrant a higher mark. Good potential. Drink from 2010. Tasted January 2005.
Reviewed by: Pierre Rovani
The 2003 Echezeaux reveals fresh blackberry aromas as well as a medium-bodied personality with coffee bean, blackberry, and dark cherry flavors. Somewhat dry, rustic tannin can be found in its clipped finish. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2014? Importer: A Peter Vezan Selection, Paris fax #011-33-1-42-55-42-93
Reviewed by: Neal Martin
Tasted at the Domaine Engel tasting in London, the 2003 Echézeaux Grand Cru has a deeper color compared to the 2002: pure and charming with maraschino cherry, peppermint and a slight peaty note. The palate is medium-bodied with plump tannin but counterbalanced with a crisp line of acidity. There is a savory note here, gaining density towards the truffle and smoke-tinged finish that lingers in the mouth. A bit stocky but hey, it's a 2003 and a damn good one at that. Tasted October 2016.
About the Producer
Domaine René Engel was one of the leading lights of Vosne-Romanée until the tragic death of Philippe Engel, grandson of the founder, in 2005. Philippe took over the domaine on the early death of his father Pierre in 1981. However he continued to benefit from the advice of his legendary grandfather, René Engel, for several years, though occasionally having to ban him from the cellar when his interventions were becoming too intrusive. By the early 1990s he had established his reputation for making exceptionally delicious wines. He had a light hand with extraction, preferring to emphasise the natural qualities of the fruit, supported by the judicious use of new oak – rarely more than 50% except for the grand crus in exceptional vintages. The wines were fine and elegant, deceptively approachable when young though capable of long ageing. Perhaps the heyday of Philippe’s period in charge was around 1992 and 1993, by which time he had fully found his style and was running the domaine with energy and passion. The flagship of the 6 hectare domaine was a wonderful Clos Vougeot from near the top of the Clos, along with a very fine Grands Echezeaux. These were supported by a third grand cru, Echezeaux, premier cru Vosne Romanée Les Brulées and a delicious village Vosne Romanée. Five wines were made: a village Vosne-Romanée from numerous plots totalling 2.5 hectares; a premier cru Les Brûlées (1.05 hectares) from old vines, the youngest being planted in 1956 by a combination of René and Pierre Engel who somehow did not quite get their rows to meet; and three grands crus, Echézeaux (0.55 hectare), Clos Vougeot (1.37 hectares) and Grands Echézeaux (0.50 hectare). It seemed to vary according to the year which of Clos de Vougeot and Grands Echézeaux turned out to be the finest wine. Both were usually outstanding, and a clear cut ahead of the Echézeaux. The Clos came from a single plot, very well situated on the upper-mid slopes just south of the château itself.
