The Maurice Ecard Estate
The Domaine dates back to before 1789 and produces some of the best Premiers Crus in Savigny. Owner Maurice Ecard, who is now retired, was considered by many experts to be the father of the appellation.
His wines are now produced by Vincent Sauvestere. Vincent's paternal family has been firmly established in Meursault since the 18th Century. His father and grandfather were both "Maitres de Chais" for one of the most prestigious Wine Houses in the heart of Meursault. Vincent's father, Roger, created his own company in the early fifties with the acquisition of a Wine Merchant founded in 1891. He also had his own vines, inherited from his mother. In 1988, Roger handed over the running of the company to Vincent. When Vincent, born in Nuits Saint Georges in 1961, took control of the Domaine, it consisted of only 6 hectares (14.81 acres) of vines. Today the Domaine covers 40 hectares (98.77 acres) from Chablis to Meursault. In addition, Vincent has acquired other viticultural Domaines in Chablis, the Côte Chalonnaise and recently in the Rhone Valley.
The Domaine is proud to possess two Grand Cru wines, Corton Charlemagne & Corton Marechaudes, as well as twelve Premiers Cru wines. Through his family's traditional winemaking skills, passed down from generation to generation, and his years of oenological studies, Vincent now advocates:
- Expression of the unique terroir characteristics from each individual vineyard by using traditional winemaking methods.
- Well structured and easy drinking Burgundies :
- Pleasing to the eye
- Soft and supple flavors
- Lingering aftertaste with excellent ageing attributes.
Vincent's constant aim is quality and respect for all wines.
The Maurice Ecard Vineyard
Th domaine is cultivated through organic methods and produces wines that purely and distinctly reflect the terroir. The Premiers Crus include: "Narbantons", "Jarrons", "Serpentieres", "Peuillets" and "Les Clous". The yields are never over 35 hl/ha. The vines are pruned and, when fully mature, harvested by manual selection. Vinification involves 75 to 100% destemming, a classic fermentation, pigeage, racking of the gross lees, 15-18 months in oak (15% new from Damy).
Maurice Ecard Savigny Beaune 1er Cru Narbantons is made from 100 percent Pinot Noir
Reduced yields from severe springtime pruning, fully mature harvest and manual selection and sorting. Vinification involves partial destemming, classic fermentation, pigeage, racking of the gross lees.
The wine offers black cherry fruits on the nose. Rich and full bodied with a beautiful texture. Flavorful.
Maurice Ecard Savigny Beaune 1er Cru Narbantons is made from 100 percent Pinot Noir
Reduced yields from severe springtime pruning, fully mature harvest and manual selection and sorting. Vinification involves partial destemming, classic fermentation, pigeage, racking of the gross lees.
The wine offers black cherry fruits on the nose. Rich and full bodied with a beautiful texture. Flavorful.
M by Michael Mondavi Red Blend is made from 58% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Cabernet Franc, 5% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot and 2% Malbec, Only 16 barrels produced.
M starts with Cabernet Sauvignon vines planted to Cabernet Clone 4 on 110R rootstock, which produces structured fruit with ample tannins and acid to balance the concentrated dark fruit flavors. In order to perfect his process, Rob Mondavi, Jr. consulted with viticulturist Danny Schuster to help unlock the secrets of his family’s Animo Vineyard. Rob and Danny harness an organic natural approach to the vineyard that exemplifies the beautifully, unique attributes of this site.
Linear and precise, the 2016 M by Michael Mondavi opens with expressive aromas of quince, plum, juniper, cassis, blackberry & dark roasted coffee beans. With time and swirls of air, notes of dried rose petals, coriander, cinnamon and clove develop. This wine enters the palate with subtle tannins at first, and soon broadens into a silky expanse of vanilla bean, cocoa, roasted dates, black cherry, and orange blossom tea. The evolution of flavors continues with candied figs, bramble-berry, and cocoa covered strawberries. Enticing and enjoyable now, additional cellaring will surely allow further detail and refinement to develop. Blend: 58% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Cabernet Franc, 5% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot, 2% Malbec
Review:
Linear and precise, the 2016 M by Michael Mondavi opens with expressive aromas of strawberry, plum, juniper, cassis, blackberry & dark roasted coffee beans. With time and swirls of air, notes of dried rose petals, coriander, cinnamon and clove develop.
96 Points - James Suckling
Bernard Cote Rotie Cote Brune is made from 100% Syrah. Wine was aged in French oak barrels for 16 months (25% new)
Like its little sister (Côte Rôzier) the Côte Brune is a 100% Syrah with a beautiful dark and brilliant color. The nose shows grilled and toasted notes and is completed by small red and black fruits. It is a wine with a very good length, nice complexity, finesse, and firm tannins. Its ageing in barrels for 16 months, 25% of which are new, brings a real balance to this wine. A very pleasant, elegant and modern wine that can be cellared for many years.
Pair with roasts, white meat with wine sauce, game, red meat and dark chocolate. To be served between 16 and 18°C. (60-64°F)