The 2021 edition of Domaine Jean-Marc Millot’s old-vine Échezeaux du Dessus Cuvée 1949 follows the 2017 vintage of the same wine offered in Batch 17 of this catalogue, providing the opportunity for a comparative vertical study of this single-lieu-dit expression from two very different vintages. The 2021 Burgundy vintage was the more challenging of the two: spring frosts dramatically reduced yields across the Côte de Nuits, but the surviving crop ripened into wines of unusual concentration, mineral intensity and aromatic precision that have consistently rewarded those who explored them with patience. For old vines planted in 1949, whose deep root systems and naturally low-yielding character already provide concentration that the frosts of 2021 would only amplify further, the 2021 should represent a wine of extraordinary mineral depth and focus, with the fruit intensity of the frost-reduced vintage providing the foundation for exceptional long-term development.

The Échezeaux du Dessus is the upper section of the Échezeaux Grand Cru, whose proximity to the well-drained limestone soils of the upper slope provides greater mineral precision and structural depth than the more clay-dominant lower sections of the appellation. The 1949 Cuvée designation identifies vines of over 75 years of age from this specific lieu-dit, whose concentrated, small-berried fruit and deep, complex aromatic character represent the culmination of decades of adaptation to the site. In the 2021 vintage’s conditions of low yield and concentrated material, these old vines should have delivered fruit of quite extraordinary quality and individuality.

The opportunity to acquire the 2017 (Batch 17) and the 2021 expressions of this old-vine Échezeaux du Dessus Cuvée 1949 from the same small independent domaine in this catalogue provides collectors with one of the most precisely documented comparative vertical opportunities available across any single cuvée in this project, exploring a single parcel across two contrasting but equally distinguished vintages from a decade with no shortage of exceptional Burgundy.

Deep ruby with a concentrated and complex nose of dark cherry, iron, dried violet, spice, earthy mineral and the distinctive old-vine density of 75-year-old Pinot Noir on Échezeaux du Dessus limestone soils. Full-bodied with excellent tannin depth from the frost-reduced 2021 vintage, electric natural acidity and a very long, mineral, structured finish of great precision. Best from 2027 through 2046.