1976 Vosne Romanee
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Finally, I will mention the only bottle of Henri Jayer that I have ever owned because it would have contained the fruit from Cros-Parantoux, only cleaved away from the Village Cru with the 1978 vintage. This bottle was acquired many years ago when it cost a fraction of today’s price and, though tempted to sell it, in the end I did what Jayer would have wanted: I drank it with friends. The Vosne-Romanée Village offers smudge strawberry on the nose that does not disguise the warmth of that summer, hints of leather and brown sugar emerging with aeration. Though there is satisfying body to this village wine, the 1976 does not possess tension. It is smooth in texture but perhaps monotone compared to the handful of other Jayer wines that I have tasted. Yet, it is pure and engages with its charming rusticity. Enjoy and drink now if you have any bottles.
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Neal Martin
Neal Martin
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This bottle was actually my own contribution, purchased when prices were a fraction of today’s. It was almost exactly as I expected with a sweet ripe smudged strawberry nose indicative of the warm summer, evolving scents of brown sugar and leather with time. There is certainly impressive weight in the mouth, although there isn’t the tension or tautness of the few other Jayer wines that I have tasted. But there is a lovely purity and nonchalance here, perhaps a rusticity that you cannot help but admire. It faded and oxidized over the period of one hour in the glass, but it was still an enjoyable treat. Drink now. Tasted May 2013.
About the producer
The wines of Henri Jayer (1922-2006) have mythical status in Burgundy. Coveted by many but tasted by just a precious few, they are some of the region’s rarest and most desirable – considered by some to be the pinnacle of what can be achieved with Pinot Noir.