2004 Grands Echezeaux
By Domaine Rene Engel
2004 Grands Echezeaux from Domaine Rene Engel, Burgundy, France
The 2004 vintage in Burgundy was, for many producers, a year that truly tested their mettle. Against the backdrop of a relatively cool summer and an unpredictably rainy harvest season, only the most adept vignerons could coax forth the brilliance that lay dormant within their grapes. In this challenging milieu, the 2004 Grands Echezeaux from Domaine Rene Engel emerged as a testament to the resilience and artistry inherent within this esteemed domaine's DNA.
A Tapestry of Complexity and Elegance
The calamitous weather conditions of 2004 carried the risk of diluting flavours and unsettling the phenolic maturation of the Pinot Noir fruit. Yet, Domaine Rene Engel's precise and judicious handling of their parcels in Grands Echezeaux circumnavigated these pitfalls with aplomb. The result is a wine of intricate layering: a core of red cherries and blackberries mingles with whispers of damp earth and truffle—the hallmark of a maturing Burgundian red—while fine tannins support a finish that lingers with an extraordinary persistence reminiscent of aged silk.
Nuanced Investment Potential
A wine such as the 2004 Grands Echezeaux from Domaine Rene Engel becomes an intriguing proposition for collectors and investors alike. It serves as a beacon of what can be achieved in less than ideal vintages when extraordinary terroir encounters meticulous craftsmanship. It asks the connoisseur to embrace patience; in return, it offers depth and an evolving narrative that speaks to both the intellect and senses.
With each moment in the glass, this vintage invites contemplation on how adversity in nature is but another verse in the poetry of winemaking. As such, securing bottles of the 2004 Grands Echezeaux does not merely represent an addition to one’s wine investment portfolio; it is an affirmation of confidence in Burgundy's ability to enrapture and evolve beyond expectations.
In summary, this vintage may not possess the immediate exuberance of its more sun-kissed cousins but make no mistake; it is precisely in its introspective elegance that its value lies—a subtle masterpiece awaiting appreciation from those discerning enough to look beyond mere renown or favourable climatic memoirs.
Market price (HKD)
HK$451,660.00
12x75cl