Domaine du Comte Liger Belair   Echezeaux Grand Cru

2016 Echezeaux Grand Cru

By Domaine du Comte Liger-Belair

2016 Echezeaux Grand Cru from Domaine du Comte Liger-Belair, Burgundy

The year 2016 in Burgundy was marked by a stark contrast between challenging weather conditions and the triumph of meticulous vineyard management resulting in remarkable wines. One stellar example is the 2016 Echezeaux Grand Cru, a thoughtful expression from Domaine du Comte Liger-Belair.

 

A Testament to Resilience and Craft

In 2016, Burgundy faced a cold winter and a spring marred by frost, tightening its grasp around the yield but simultaneously concentrating the essence of each surviving berry. The smaller crop at Domaine du Comte Liger-Belair turned into an unforeseen advantage, yielding grapes with intense flavour and striking aromatic complexity for their Echezeaux Grand Cru.

 

Vivacious and Vibrant: The Essence of 2016

This vintage mirrors a tapestry rich in colour and substance, weaving together the very quintessence of Pinot Noir grapes nurtured on the hallowed ground of Echezeaux. The 2016 Echezeaux Grand Cru from this esteemed domain reveals a palate of dynamic contrasts: assertive red fruits balanced with an ethereal floral delicacy, underscored by refined tannins that will allow it to age with dignity. Its structure speaks of veteran knowledge meeting an intrepid spirit—a symbol of how unrivalled craftsmanship can turn adversity into elegance.

As with all exceptional wines, the interplay between terroir and climate is exuberantly captured within each bottle. While volume is scarce, the concentration of fragrant bouquets—ranging from ripe cherries to exotic spices—paints an elaborate narrative, one that will surely captivate investors and collectors looking for a robust cellar addition.

Sublime in its poise, the 2016 Echezeaux Grand Cru remains poised to enthrall the palates of enthusiasts seeking exceptional investment-grade wines. As it continues to unfurl its narrative over time, this vintage from Domaine du Comte Liger-Belair stands not only as a reminder of Burgundy's resilience but also as an emblem of its inherited grace under pressure.

Current market price

£28,730.00

12x75cl

Highest score

93

POP score

2210

Scores and tasting notes

92-94

The 2016 Echézeaux Grand Cru was affected 40% by the frost this vintage. It has a crisp and focused bouquet with blackberry, raspberry preserve, cold slate and light marine aromas that blossom with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin, one of the most rounded Echézeauxs that I have tasted from the domaine at this early stage. Then the acidity kicks in midway and lends a needed citrus bent to the last third. Not quite up there with the 2015, yet this still has a lot of potential.

Neal Martin - The Wine Advocate, 29 December 2017

Vintage performance