2018 Domaine Anne Gros Les Loachausses Échezeaux 750ml

The 2018 Domaine Anne Gros Les Loachausses Échezeaux 750ml stands as an immortal benchmark of Grand Cru finesse, sensuality, and feminine power. Furthermore, the warm and generous 2018 growing season produced ripe, deeply perfumed Pinot Noirs with velvety textures and early appeal. Anne Gros, one of Vosne-Romanée’s most revered vignerons, crafts wines renowned for pure fruit clarity and seamless balance. Today, this distinguished Grand Cru cuvée captures the majestic balance of Vosne-Romanée spice and Échezeaux nobility.

Additionally, the estate’s meticulous vineyard management brings thrilling aromatic precision to this historic terroir. Échezeaux covers diverse soils, yet the specific lieu-dit ‘Les Loachausses’ is celebrated for generating ethereal aromatics and refined tannins. Consequently, this 2018 vintage delivers immediate sensual pleasure while possessing the underlying architecture for decades of cellar aging.

Terroir & Viticulture

Les Loachausses represents an exceptional 0.76-hectare parcel situated directly within the core of the Échezeaux Grand Cru amphitheater. However, what makes this site extraordinary is its relatively thin topsoil resting directly atop Jurassic limestone bedrock. This shallow soil forces old vines to send roots deep into limestone fractures to access moisture and minerals.

Specifically, the vineyard’s gentle eastern exposure allows morning sunshine to dry the canopy while preventing extreme afternoon heat stress. Anne Gros farms her parcels with sustainable, biodynamic-inspired principles that respect soil microbiomes. The 2018 season enjoyed abundant summer sunshine, producing clusters with fully ripened skins and sweet tannins. Therefore, the estate picked at the ideal moment to capture optimum sugar ripeness alongside refreshing natural acidity.

Vinification & Craftsmanship

Anne Gros approaches vinification with gentle, intuitive craftsmanship aimed at preserving silkiness and fruit purity. Grapes were harvested by hand into small baskets, followed by rigorous sorting table selection to remove imperfect fruit. The fruit was completely de-stemmed before fermentation in temperature-controlled concrete vats with native yeasts.

The wine matured for approximately sixteen months in French oak barriques, utilizing roughly 50% to 60% new oak barrels. In addition, the estate avoids excessive extraction, preferring gentle pumping-over rather than aggressive punch-downs to protect fine tannin grains. This measured wood treatment imparts delicate hints of sweet toast, vanilla, and cedar without masking floral purity. Furthermore, the wine was bottled without harsh fining to retain its energetic soul.

Tasting Notes

In the glass, the 2018 Domaine Anne Gros Les Loachausses Échezeaux 750ml displays a radiant, luminous ruby core with brilliant garnet glints. The nose immediately reveals intoxicating aromas of wild strawberries, black raspberries, blood orange peel, and dried rose petals. In addition, complex nuances of sandalwood, Vosne baking spices, damp earth, and truffles unfold as the wine breathes.

On the palate, the wine delivers medium-bodied grace, seamless symmetry, and silky, cashmere-like textures. Ripe red and dark berry fruit wraps around ultra-fine, melted tannins that coat the mouth effortlessly. Meanwhile, a bright spine of refreshing acidity sustains vibrant energy and mid-palate clarity. Consequently, the finish persists with extraordinary persistence, echoing exotic spices, crushed limestone, and sweet red cherry fruit.

Technical Specifications

• Producer: Domaine Anne Gros
• Winemaker: Anne Gros
• Appellation: Échezeaux Grand Cru AOC
• Lieu-dit: Les Loachausses
• Varietal: 100% Pinot Noir
• Vintage: 2018
• Terroir: Shallow gravel and clay over hard Jurassic limestone bedrock
• Aging: 16 months in French oak barriques (~50%–60% new)
• Alcohol: ~14.0% ABV
• Volume: 750ml
• Closure: Natural Cork

Service & Cellar Potential

Serve this Grand Cru between 15°C–17°C (59°F–63°F) in large Burgundy stemware. Specifically, we advise decanting the bottle for 45 to 60 minutes prior to service to allow its intricate floral bouquet to blossom fully. Aeration releases the alluring Vosne-Romanée spices and sweet red fruit nuances.

Pair this wine with roasted squab, pan-seared duck breast with cherry reduction, veal medallions with chanterelles, or roast pheasant. Furthermore, soft bloomy-rind cheeses or aged Comté make an exceptional culinary match. As a result, collectors can enjoy this glorious 2018 Échezeaux now or cellar it securely through 2042+.