Louis Jadot - Famille Gagey Beaune 1er Cru Aux Cras 2017

Bettane & Desseauve

About the estate:

The Gagey family’s involvement with this true gem of Burgundy’s historical heritage began upon the death of Louis-Auguste Jadot. With no heir, the estate was entrusted in 1962 to André Gagey, who remained its manager until 1991, when he handed the reins to his son Pierre-Henry, who now oversees the 225 hectares of vineyards. Since 2011, winemaking has been overseen by Frédéric Barnier, who has seamlessly succeeded Jacques Lardière, further improving the consistency and uniformity of all vintages. The whites are pneumatically pressed and fermented directly in barrels, where they undergo aging on the lees with periodic stirring for 12 to 20 months. The red wines are vinified with the stems removed but without crushing, without cold pre-fermentation, and undergo a vatting period of 25 to 27 days before beginning their aging for 12 to 22 months in barrels, one-third of which are new.

Decanter

About the wine:

Aux Cras is widely recognized as one of Beaune’s finest premier crus. Located midway up the hillside, it produces wines with a relatively long finish. This wine is rich and deep, with plenty of body, density, and structure, well-integrated oak, and a fresh, chalky finish. 2024–2030

Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

About the wine:

The 2017 Beaune 1er Cru Aux Cras (Domaine Gagey) presents itself beautifully, revealing in the glass an inviting bouquet of sweet red fruits, raw cocoa, and dried orange peel—already superbly integrated, though still a bit reserved following its recent bottling. On the palate, the wine is medium-bodied to full-bodied, velvety and supple, with a fleshy core of succulent fruit framed by exquisitely refined tannins. Although it is already charming enough to be enjoyed young, it will reach its full potential after a decade or more of bottle aging. 2023–2045

RVF - La Revue du Vin de France / Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France

About the estate:

This prestigious wine merchant is run with great efficiency by Pierre-Henry Gagey, who is deeply involved in Burgundy. The company boasts an exceptionally extensive range and a superb collection of terroirs, encompassing the major Burgundian appellations. Frédéric Barnier, who has been in charge of winemaking since 2012, is gradually making his mark by refining the wines. Consistency is one of this house’s strengths. While the whites display beautiful balance, the reds are austere and severe, with oak notes that dominate the fruit and even hints of acetate that, this year, make it difficult to assess certain vintages. Let’s hope this is temporary, as the company’s reputation is at stake.

Wine Enthusiast

About the wine:

This full-bodied, richly textured wine comes from one of Beaune’s lesser-known premier crus. Its structure and juicy red fruit flavors are ripe and concentrated, with a smoky note on the finish. Best enjoyed starting in 2024.

Jancis Robinson

About the wine:

Bright cherry red. A light yet captivating and well-balanced nose, with lovely finesse and very delicate fruity aromas on the palate. Lots of liveliness and energy. Relatively early to drink. 2022–2030

Vinous

About the wine:

The 2017 Beaune Cras 1er Cru offers a charming, almost enveloping bouquet with aromas of macerated red cherries, raspberries, and hoisin sauce—perhaps the most expressive of the seven Jadot Beaune wines I tasted from the barrel. The palate is medium-bodied, with a fleshy and fairly generous attack, and numerous notes of red plum, strawberry, and light marmalade. The Beaune Cras exhibits a slight tension that exerts a persistent grip leading into the lingering finish. This is another very fine Beaune from Jadot. 2020–2032

James Suckling