2021 Domaine Sylvie Esmonin Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru "Clos Saint-Jacques", Burgundy, France

ABOUT THIS WINE

Clos Saint-Jacques is one of the most esteemed 1er Crus in all of Burgundy—often regarded on par with Grand Cru vineyards for its complexity, elevation, and ideal exposition. Sylvie Esmonin’s parcel, planted with old Pinot Noir vines (some dating back to the 1940s), lies mid-slope on limestone-rich soils in Gevrey-Chambertin.

In 2021, a cooler, more traditional vintage marked by lower yields and extended hang time produced wines with aromatic precision, lower alcohol, and lifted textures. Esmonin’s hallmark 100% whole-cluster fermentation was particularly well-suited to the vintage, adding structure, energy, and spice to the wine’s naturally high-toned fruit. Indigenous yeasts guided fermentation in open wooden vats, followed by aging in French oak barrels—with a moderate percentage of new oak (~50–60%) to support, not dominate, the wine.

The resulting wine is classically proportioned and quietly powerful—more red-fruited and linear than in warmer vintages, with tightly woven tannins and exceptional length. It will benefit from 8–15 years of cellaring, though its transparency and charm are already evident with proper air. Pair it with slow-roasted squab, chanterelles, or rabbit with mustard sauce to highlight its finesse and savory depth.

ABOUT THIS PRODUCER

Domaine Sylvie Esmonin, located in the heart of Gevrey-Chambertin, is a small but highly regarded estate known for its soulful, terroir-driven Pinot Noirs. Sylvie Esmonin, who took over from her father Michel in the 1990s, is one of the region’s few female vigneronnes and a quiet force in Burgundy, recognized for her meticulous farming, traditional methods, and restrained, site-reflective winemaking.

The estate is farmed with sustainable practices and minimal intervention. Sylvie’s approach includes whole-cluster fermentation, indigenous yeasts, and élevage in carefully selected oak barrels to enhance the wine’s structure and depth without obscuring its origins.

Her Clos Saint-Jacques is the flagship wine of the domaine—a benchmark expression of this elite 1er Cru that consistently marries power with precision, and rustic nobility with haunting elegance. In 2021, it speaks in a quieter voice—but with no less intensity or grace.