Wine guide
Domaine Jean Tardy
One of the greatest wonders of Burgundy wines is that unlike Bordeaux, parcels are small and patchwork like - here a Nuit St Georges, there a Gevrey-Chambertin - often resulting in some startling differences within the same domaine. So, to find a winemaker who harmoniously blends his 11 parcels with the same trademark precision, elegance and traditionality is nothing less than a diamond among stones.
From medicine to winemaking
Such is the legacy left to Guillaume Tardy, son of Jean. Handed the controls of his father’s estate at just 20, it was indeed a steep learning curve for the (at the time) medical student. But, talent (and a degree in oenology) is in Guillaume’s DNA, and in just ten short years Domaine Jean Tardy is today one of the finest Burgundy wines on the market.
Laudations from the best - part I
Around 20,000 bottles are produced from the 12-hectare estate and are heavily exported worldwide. Many of the limited edition 2012 Echezeaux Grand Cru Vieilles Vignes are virtually impossible to find in France on the open market, so if you can get your hands on a bottle, hold on to it, as its combined rarity and ageability only add to its value. You might have better luck in the USA as, unsurprisingly due to Neal Martin’s (for Robert Parker The Wine Advocate) score of 95, and suggested drinking window between 2018-2035, stateside demand soared after 2015.
Laudations from the best - part II
With growth stabilising at around 10% year on year, expect to pay upwards of €300 for a bottle of 2016 Echezeaux Vieilles Vignes (92-94 scored from influential Robert Parker The Wine Advocate) - the wine might be good but it sure isn't cheap. Incidentally, the “Vieilles Vignes” that make the wine are over 80 years old! Guillaume has however found a fan in superstar chef Alain Ducasse for his wines and perhaps your best bet of tasting a 2012 Vosne-Romanée Vigneux would be in Paris, in one of Ducasse’s Michelin starred restaurants. Think Plaza Athénée or Le Meurice for a good night out, but we’re afraid you won't be able to take the bottle home.
Notable facts and vintages
- 2010 Domaine Jean Tardy Echezeaux Les Treux “Very good delineation and weight with structure and breadth on the finish. Beautifully assimilated oak, this is a serious Echezeaux.” 94-96 points Neal Martin for Robert Parker, January 2012.
- 2010 Domaine Jean Tardy et Fils 'Aux Argillas' “Fragrant and inviting. Fine, so smooth but with well-hidden structural foundation. Touch of spice, silky dark fruit, wonderfully mellifluous and delicately seductive. Drink: 2017 to 2028” 17.5/20 from Jancis Robinson, January 2012.
- The domaine’s métayage arrangement with Domaine Méo-Camuzet came to a close in 2007 along with Jean Tardy’s production of Clos de Vougeot, Les Chaumes, and Les Boudots Burgundy wines.
- Jancis Robinson writes “Very pretty and unforced” of the 2015 Domaine Jean Tardy Vosne Romanee ‘Vigneux’ worthy of her 17/20.
- 2006 Dom Jean Tardy ‘La Place’ received La Guide Hachette des Vins ‘2 Stars’.