A brooding and still exceptionally primary nose with a wide variety of floral elements on the cassis, plum liqueur scents that display anise, clove and once again sandalwood hints. There is imposing power to the large-scaled but not massive flavors that possess fine mid-palate density as well as an abundance of palate soaking dry extract before culminating in an explosively long finish. I like the balance as well as the notable depth of material though it will require plenty of time for it to reveal its full potential.

The 2011 Grands Echézeaux is dark and brooding. The aromas are slightly restrained, yet plummy fruit aromas with an edge of earth, leather and mint emerge on the palate. The wine is more substantial than the Echézeaux, with firm tannins and plenty of extract balanced by a lively acidity. There is a pleasant note of ‘beaux amers’ (beautiful bitterness) on the finish. The wine should begin to open in the next few years, and I'm convinced it will eventually shine. Picked 9-10 September; 11,071 bottles produced.

(18/20) Bright crimson. Markedly more 'rural' on the nose than the Échezeaux. Almost farmyardy at first (the world's most cosseted farmyard?) and then extremely rich. Very firm - almost rigid - finish and no excess of charm at the moment but all tucked in for the future. A tad austere at the moment. Solid and set for the long term.

The Grands Echezeaux 2011 was picked on 9 and 10 September at 25.33hl/ha. There is certainly more intensity and fruitiness on the nose compared to the Echezeaux. The aromatics here feel fuller, rounder and more harmonious that its sibling. As the wine remains in the glass there are subtle cassis notes that begin to emerge accompanied by over-ripe oranges. The palate is well balanced and fresh on the entry, with slightly powdery tannins. It is very harmonious with well-judged acidity and compared to the Echezeaux there is more weight and corpulence to counterbalance the strict structure. It gently builds, never losing its head mind you, towards a lightly spiced finish that fans out beautifully. This is a very accomplished rather than spectacular Grands Echezeaux. 923 cases produced. Drink 2017-2030- NM