Sylvie Esmonin in Burgundy

Sylvie Esmonin took over the family domaine in the 90s. The domaine is based in Gevrey Chambertin where they have 7 hectares. She has started using more more stems in the vinification process to improve structure and quality.

We bought some of her 2006 wines from our cave Bourdin down the road. Good red burgundy is rather pricy so the cheapest one cost 15€, a cuvée called Bourgogne rouge, from vineyards outside Gevrey-Chambertin was light, fruity and lively. Quite an easy drinking nearly Beaujoulais type of wine.

The second one (around 20€) called Côte-de-Nuits-Village comes from vineyards in Brochon, a small village between Gevrey and Fixin, has a nice raspberry smell with some smoke and pepper. The wine was well balanced with ripe tannins and sweet velvety fruit. Very nice indeed.

The Gevrey-Chambertin (around 30€) comes from 30-year-old vines and was darker, richer with more structure and taste. Dark fruit aromas and a lovely balance. In terms of value for money the Cote de Nuits Village is probably the best.

Esmonin also make other cuvées which we have yet to taste (notes from internet):

The Gevrey-Chambertin Vieilles Vignes, comes from various plots of 60-year-old vines (around 35€)

The Clos St-Jacques, normally a wine of elegance, subtle fruit after some years in bottle. For this one you would have to pay around 60 to 70€.

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