Jadot started this unconventional, by Burgundy standards, bottling with the 2009 vintage to celebrate its 150th anniversary. Contrary to the Burgundy mantra of terroir — a specific delineated location is paramount — Jadot blends wine from upwards of 15 individual premier cru vineyards within Beaune, to produce a wine representative of the best Beaune has to offer (there are no Grand Cru vineyards in Beaune.) They produce it only in the best years, like 2020. Explosive on the palate, this is real 1er cru. Suave tannins support a glorious mixture of red fruit, spice, and complementary savory herbal notes. Refreshing acidity adds life to this racy wine. Though a joy to drink now, I suspect it will close down in a year or so to reawaken in a few years. So, dive in now to get a sense of what top-notch Beaune has to offer.
Maison Louis Jadot, Beaune 1er Cru (Burgundy, France) 2020
By Michael Apstein