Louis Jadot - Pernand-Vergelesses 1er Cru Clos de la Croix de Pierre 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.

Elegant and delicate aromas of raspberry and pomegranate, with floral notes and a distinct salty minerality. The texture is lively, with fresh acidity and firm tannins that give it a lingering finish. The grapes come from one hectare of high-altitude vineyards; they are destemmed and fermented with native yeasts before being aged in barrels. 2025–2035

The 2023 Pernand-Vergelesses 1er Cru Clos de la Croix de Pierre (Domaine des Héritiers Jadot) offers aromas of cherries, strawberries, and anise, followed by a full-bodied, lively, and delicate palate. A well-crafted wine.

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.

Medium cherry-red color with a sweet, fresh aroma of red cherries. The tannins are light and refined, yet distinctly present, as is the acidity. Fuller-bodied and more persistent than the two Savigny wines tasted previously (Famille Gagey, Clos des Guettes, and Dom Louis Jadot, La Dominode). 2027–2035

Fragrant and elegant, with a herbaceous freshness, this wine is a magnificent expression of a Burgundy from a cool climate, produced in the hottest vintage on record. Very lively and crisp on the palate, it offers beautiful fullness. Its long, captivating finish is remarkably energetic. Ready to drink now, but will reach its peak starting in 2026.