Founded
in 1859 by Louis Henry Denis Jadot, Maison Louis
Jadot has always been situated in the heart of
the vineyards, in the center of Beaune. Recently
installed in an old building from the 19th
century, the offices are situated above very old
cellars from the 14th century
connected with the "Couvent des
Jacobins" cellars. This "Couvent"
is the ideal venue for receiving visitors at
Maison Louis Jadot.
To
ensure great vintages, Jadot still does things
by hand, not by machine. They use only
clean grapes grown close to the winery.
Although all of the vineyards are not owned by
Jadot, all the growers work together to help
build a strong reputation for quality burgundy
and beaujolais varieties. The 6000 oak
casks are used only 4 years, and Jadot controls
the toasting of the casks. Typical aging
for whites in oak is about 14-18 months, with
reds 14-24 months.
Due
to the hottest, driest growing season in 500
years, the volume for 2003 is about 40% less
than normal. The upside is a smaller,
intense grape that should produce an outstanding
vintage. In fact it could rival the 1997
vintage, considered one of the best ever.
During
our tasting in the cellars of Jadot, we had the
opportunity to sample many of the 2002 vintages
direct from the casks. Our tastings
included several complex white burgundies,
including Marsannay, Savigny Guettes, and the
outstanding Puligny Montrachet and Chassagne
Montrachet. The reds included Pommard
Commaraine (very light), Chambolle Musigny (very
soft "just like a woman"), and Gevry
Chambertin (a "cru plus").
If
burgundies are on your agenda, our opinion is
you need to consider some of the amazing range
of wines from Louis Jadot. Whites ranging
from very light and crisp varieties, to complex,
oak intense, robust ones are sure to
please. Their impressive range of reds
from beaujolais, to light, soft wines, to
complex vintages with great aging potential are
worthy of anyone's cellar.
