Tasted with Fred’s father, André, in Gevery-Chambertin – Fred and André pictured, 22 July 2021. Domaine Frédéric Esmonin Les Estournelles 12 Rue du Chêne 21220, Gevrey Chambertin Tel. +33 9 79 66 20 27 More reports with Domaine Frédéric Esmonin I never visit this domaine enough – the wines are excellent and remain fairly priced…
There are 3 responses to “Frédéric Esmonin – 2020”
Not having tried this Domaine before, I was pleased to enjoy their 2017 Ruchottes-Chambertin recently. I found the wine’s extraction, texture and balance very compelling if on the delicate side of red Burgundy. The wine conveyed a true sense of fruit sweetness that comes with good tannin extraction/integration. I was disappointed somewhat with the aromas. While red fruited, they were slightly reduced/muted even after long aeration; there was also a sense of moldy/microbial character that never dissipated. Question: does this Domaine practice low or no SO2 usage during fermentation/elevage? Or, perhaps no racking until bottling? I will, however, search-out more from this Domaine.
Hi Craig – think that they use a a pretty standard approach to elevage. Unless you have a second bottle to compare with, I would probably be pointing a finger at the cork – tca not being the only off aromas that can come from our favourite seals…
Bestest!
Bill:
We did have another bottle, our last, and it was similar for the first: lovely mouthfeel, texture and length but not much on the fragrance/aroma. Agree that sub-threshold tca or similar compounds could be the culprit but seems more in the reductive spectrum. Your comments/insights are greatly appreciated!
I have adored these wines for years for several reasons that many eschew. Yes, they bottle early, but as a result the wines drink well earlier than others, even the grand crus if you but half bottles as well as full ones so you can sample as they age. Their very fair prices allow one to buy mixed cases of half’s & wholes which allows years of enjoyment with predictable (benefit of halfs)regularly is indeed a joy. Let others eschew this domaine all they want because it means more 1st rate Burgundy for me and others. In sum, a terrific address.