Albert Bichot Domaine Du Clos Frantin Echezeaux Grand Cru 2015
Albert Bichot’s Domaine du Clos Frantin is an 18th-century estate in Nuits-Saint-Georges, at the heart of the Côte de Nuits, and the source of some of the house’s finest estate-grown Burgundy. Its Echézeaux Grand Cru comes from a 1-hectare parcel in the Champs Traversins climat at Flagey-Echézeaux, an east-facing site at around 290 metres. The very stony brown limestone soils contain abundant stones and gravel, while the nearby Combe d’Orveau brings a cooling influence that helps preserve freshness. The vines average 35-40 years old. Clos Frantin has been certified organic since 2012, so the 2015 vines were farmed under organic certification, although the estate only began putting the certified organic wine designation on its labels from 2018. The 2015 vintage was hot and dry, with periods of heat and hydric stress, but rain in August restarted ripening. The resulting Pinot Noirs are notably ripe, concentrated and fleshy while retaining freshness and silky tannins. Made from 100% Pinot Noir, the Echézeaux 2015 is hand harvested and fermented in temperature-controlled conical oak vats for 18-21 days, allowing a careful extraction of colour, fruit and tannin. It is then aged entirely in oak barrels for 16-18 months, with approximately 40-50% new oak. The result is a sophisticated Grand Cru with ripe cherry, raspberry and plum aromas, joined by violet, rose, spice and subtle earthy notes. On the palate it is round and precise, with supple but finely structured tannins, bright acidity and a long, refined finish. It is particularly well suited to roast duck, lamb, beef, game birds and mushroom dishes, as well as mature cheeses. After more than a decade, it is now entering an attractive drinking window, with the fruit beginning to develop the savoury and earthy complexity associated with mature Côte de Nuits Pinot Noir, while the 2015 structure means it can comfortably evolve for another 10-15 years.