Louis Jadot - Fixin 1er Cru Clos du Chapitre rouge 2023

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 the vintages. The white wines are pneumatically pressed and fermented directly in barrels, where they are aged 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.

Jadot acquired 2.68 hectares of this vineyard, making the 2023 Fixin 1er Cru Clos du Chapitre the first vintage of what will become a staple of the estate. Offering aromas of cherries, raspberries, and flower petals, it is medium-bodied to full-bodied, rich and smooth, with refined tannins and a mineral, chalky finish.

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, including 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 lovely 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 only temporary, as the company’s reputation is at stake.

The Fixin Clos du Chapitre 1er Cru 2023 is a new cuvée, produced from the acquisition of 2.78 hectares of 55-year-old vines belonging to the Dufouleur family (who retained a few of them, meaning it is no longer a monopoly). One hectare is currently being grafted with Chardonnay by Jadot. It offers a well-defined bouquet of fragrant red fruits, with a hint of blood orange that emerges with aeration. The palate is fresh and vibrant, with lively red fruits, a touch of orange zest, and a well-structured finish that exudes joie de vivre. The 2023 is a welcome addition to Jadot’s red wine lineup. 2026–2040