(97+) The Grands Echézeaux from Domaine Georges Noëllat is also produced from vines in excess of eighty years of age, and though this remains the only wine that is raised entirely in new oak, it is not particularly oaky at all in personality and is absolutely brilliant in 2012. The stunning nose soars from the glass in a complex and very vibrant mélange of red and black cherries, woodsmoke, incipient notes of venison, a very complex base of soil tones, a touch of nutskin, Vosne spices and cedar. On the palate the wine is pure, full-bodied and simply gorgeous, with a very sappy core of fruit, magical transparency, very refined tannins and stunning length and grip on the vibrant, pure and utterly stellar, peacock’s tail of a finish. Probably the best example of Grands Echézeaux that I have tasted from the 2012 vintage! (Drink between 2025-2075)

Tasted blind at the annual "Burgfest" tasting in Beaune. The 2012 Grands Echézeaux Grand Cru from Domaine Georges Noëllat takes time to settle in the glass, some initial volatility eventually fading away to leave a rather attractive nose of redcurrant jam, spice-box and desiccated orange peel. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin. This is very well balanced, backward of course, but the structure lends this a sense of symmetry and precision that leaves you wanting to take another sip. This is bestowed that aristocratic class that you seek in a Grands Echézeaux. Bravo Maxime. - Neal Martin

(BH91-93 points) Here too a background touch of wood highlights the spicier and slightly more complex nose that is otherwise quite similar to that of the Ech. There is good volume and punch to the naturally sweet medium-bodied flavors that are also quite seductively textured before concluding in an impressively complex, balanced and driving finish that displays focused power. This is not a big Grands-Ech but it is beautifully proportioned.