DOMAINE JESSIAUME AUXEY-DURESSES 1ER CRU "LES ECUSSAUX" 750ML

Domaine Jessiaume Auxey-Duresses 1er Cru “Les Ecussaux”

Domaine Jessiaume Auxey-Duresses 1er Cru “Les Ecussaux” is a refined white Burgundy made from 100% Chardonnay in Auxey-Duresses, in the Côte de Beaune. The wine comes from the Les Ecussaux Premier Cru climat, a relatively small site characterized by marl-limestone soils and an east-southeast exposure. Domaine Jessiaume farms approximately 0.31 hectares for this white wine, with vines averaging around 30 years old. Jessiaume

Terroir

Les Ecussaux is a marl-and-limestone site, an important part of the wine's character. The combination gives the Chardonnay both richness and the chalky/mineral freshness associated with Côte de Beaune whites.

The parcel is east-southeast facing, and the estate identifies the vineyard as a distinct Climat of Auxey-Duresses. The name “Les Ecussaux” is thought to derive from “écluse,” or lock, referring to a stream that historically ran along the lower part of the parcel. Jessiaume

Winemaking

Jessiaume uses a relatively traditional Burgundy approach:

1. 100% Chardonnay
2. Whole grapes are directly pressed.
3. The juice is settled in tank before being transferred to oak barrels.
4. Fermentation begins naturally in barrel.
5. The wine is aged on its lees for approximately 12 months.
6. Depending on the vintage, approximately 15–25% of the barrels are new oak.
7. The barrel aging is followed by approximately 4–6 months in stainless-steel tanks before bottling. Jessiaume+1

This approach gives the wine texture and subtle oak complexity without making oak the central feature.

Tasting Profile

Appearance:

Bright pale lemon-yellow, becoming more golden with bottle age.

Aromas:

The nose can be quite expressive, combining white fruits, citrus, floral notes and mineral tones with restrained barrel-derived aromas. Depending on vintage and age, you may also find:

1. White peach
2. Pear
3. Lemon and citrus zest
4. White flowers
5. Hazelnut
6. Butter
7. Light brioche
8. Subtle vanilla/oak
9. Flint or mineral notes

For example, the 2021 vintage was described with white flowers, caramel, hazelnut and menthol, while older vintages show combinations of citrus, white fruit, mineral and lightly buttery aromas. Le Guide Hachette des Vins+1

Palate:

The wine's hallmark is the balance between richness and minerality. It has a rounded, textured mid-palate but is kept lively by fresh acidity.

Expect flavors of:

1. Lemon and citrus
2. Ripe pear
3. White peach
4. Apple
5. Hazelnut
6. Butter
7. Subtle mineral/chalk
8. Gentle oak spice

The 2022 vintage, for example, was described by the domaine as fruity and lively, with notable complexity and depth and a strong balance between minerality and richness. Jessiaume

Finish:

Long and persistent, with citrus, mineral freshness and gentle nutty/oak nuances. Older vintages can develop a more patinated, creamy finish. The 2015 was specifically noted for its freshness, balance and long, polished finish. Jessiaume

Style & Character

This is a particularly good example of the more understated side of white Burgundy. Rather than being an intensely buttery or heavily oaked Chardonnay, Les Ecussaux combines Burgundian texture with mineral freshness.

Its character can be summarized as:

Fresh → mineral → textured → lightly creamy → citrus-driven → persistent

The wine can show more richness in warmer vintages and more tension and citrus-driven freshness in cooler ones. The oak is generally integrated into the overall texture rather than dominating the fruit.

Food Pairings

Its combination of acidity, texture and mineral character makes it extremely versatile at the table. Excellent pairings include:

1. Roast chicken
2. Chicken in cream sauce
3. Veal
4. Pork tenderloin
5. Grilled or roasted scallops
6. Lobster
7. Crab
8. Shrimp
9. Oysters and richer shellfish
10. Salmon
11. Mushroom dishes
12. Goat cheese
13. Comté and other nutty cheeses

It is particularly well suited to seafood with butter or cream sauces, where the wine's acidity cuts through richness while its texture complements the dish.

Aging Potential

The domaine currently indicates approximately 5–10 years of aging potential for recent vintages such as 2022–2023. Jessiaume

With bottle age, the youthful citrus and white-fruit profile can evolve toward baked apple, honey, hazelnut, butter, toast and more complex mineral notes.

Overall Impression

Domaine Jessiaume Auxey-Duresses 1er Cru Les Ecussaux is a sophisticated Burgundy Chardonnay that balances ripe white fruit and creamy texture with limestone-driven freshness. It offers enough richness to satisfy Chardonnay lovers who enjoy Burgundy's more generous styles, while its acidity and mineral character give it elegance and food-pairing versatility.

In one sentence: A polished Côte de Beaune Premier Cru Chardonnay combining lemon, pear and white peach with hazelnut, subtle butter and oak, supported by vibrant acidity, marl-limestone minerality and a long, elegant finish. Jessiaume