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2009 Domaine Ecard Savigny-Les-Beaune 1er Cru Les Gravains

Burgundy, FRANCE
$54. 99
Bottle
$659.88 Dozen
Cellar: 3 - 4 Years (2014-2015)
ABV: 13%
Closure: Cork

2009 Burgundy. Believe the Hype!

It’s said in Burgundy that vintages finishing in ‘9’ are always outstanding, but 2009 seems to have set a new benchmark. Overall, it is a "Solar" year, fully ripened and abundant - in fact the second biggest harvest after 1999. As in other parts of France, comparisons with 2005 are apt. But there are definite characteristics that set 2009 apart. It began with a severe winter, assuring the vines would well and truly be in a state of dormancy. The late Spring finally arrived in April and delivered above average maximum temperatures with significant fluctuations throughout the month. Flowering started in the second half of May. The earliest sectors of Burgundy enjoyed homogenous and rapid flowering, however, others dragged into June, with some uneven fruit set (coulure and millerandage), primarily due to several dramatic temperature swings. Early July storms brought some much needed water relieving the hydric deficit. But the rain was also a potential catalyst for disease, with sporadic hailstorms only heightening anxieties. Then summer arrived to assuage everyone’s worries. Conditions settled. Clear skies and good heat restored a sanitary state to the vines. Ripening (veraison) took place in ideal conditions, which carried into harvest time and beyond, only interrupted by a minor rainfall (certainly nothing to spoil the dream scenario). The true challenge in 2009 was to monitor acidity, with an early September harvest maintaining good tension in the wines. By then, vignerons across Burgundy were already summing up the vintage with understated excitement. Observations like, “The Chardonnay was harder than usual to press due to the thick skins” suggested the fruit was both pristine and promising terrific flavour concentration; while “...the extraordinary ease with which colour was extracted from the reds” was not merely a favourable result, but a herald of coming greatness. 2009’s reputation was sealed at the press.
If you are a "Pinot Noir" drinker who hasn't discovered the birth place of this famous varietal - no question, 2009 will be an ‘introduction to red Burgundy par excellence’.

Almost two years on, the resulting wines are expressive and already seductive. Seasoned Burgundy lovers will appreciate their approachability (and price), as even the modest appellations have produced wines of a high calibre. We have tasted dozens of samples and, like you, we’re most interested in those wines with optimum PFM (Pleasure For Money) ratios - notoriously difficult to find in Burgundy - which is why these wines won’t last long.
Michel and Joanna Ecard's 2009 "Les Gravains" premier Cru is a worthy follow-up to the hugely popular 2007.

In the Cote d'Or, family names are usually associated with a village. In Savigny, it is Ecard who have been connected with viticulture since the days of the French revolution. Michel Ecard is the son of the famous Maurice Ecard and in 2004, he branched out of the family estate to create his own venture with wife Joanna. Their 4 Ha are all located in Savigny and dispersed between 7 different appellations. Tasting note....
Semi translucent dark crimson red colour with crimson mauve hue. The nose is quite perfumed displaying earthy dark cherry top notes followed by some dark plum, meaty characters and spice. The palate displays a good fleshy mouthfeel with flavours of dark and sour cherry, dried meat and dark plum followed by some spicy cedar on the back palate. Dry finish with very fine grained velvety tannins. Good power wave with long dark and sour cherry, meaty cedar and spicy earth aftertaste.
A ‘modern’ style of Burgundy with sufficient acidity to develop further over time. Cellar 3-4 years (2014-2015)
Alc 13.0%

 Click here to see more sensational 2009 Burgundies.