2014 Domaine Emmanuel Rouget Echézeaux Grand Cru
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Tasting notes
The 2014 Echézeaux Grand Cru, matured entirely in new oak, has a gorgeous black cherry, raspberry coulis and mineral-infused bouquet, coiled tightly at first but unfurling with each swirl of the glass. The palate is well structured, a Grand Cru with admirable backbone. There is patently impressive depth with multi-layered red and black fruit, edging towards something more rich and dense towards the persistent finish. Emmanuel Rouget was surprised when I opined a preference for his Cros Parantoux this year, so obviously he is a big fan. And yes, this is an excellent grand cru, yet it does not possess quite the same nervosité as the Parantoux.
Critic scores
Average Score
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
Allen Meadows, Burghound
More reviews and scores
(100% new oak; from vines in Clos Saint-Denis, Les Treux and Les Cruots): Dark, bright red with ruby highlights; the brilliant color of these 2014s made me want to jump into the glass. Very pure aromas of dark berries, spices and blood orange, plus a hint of lemon. Dense, sweet and powerful, showing serious volume to its still-tight flavors of black cherry, dark berries and spices. This fruit was very ripe in 2014 (12. 8% natural alcohol, chaptalized to 13. 4%), as 25% of the crop was lost to hail, said Rouget, who described the storm as "like a violent green harvest." This distinctly masculine style of Echézeaux finishes with a serious spine of firm tannins that reach the teeth; it will need extended aging.