We’ve all heard success stories… starting from nothing, becoming the best in the field, dominating the market, etc. I’ll try not to be too dramatic about it, but this truly is a success story. Henri Jayer was a visionary. The Cros-Parantoux parcel had been abandoned since the phylloxera crisis. When Henri succeeded in purchasing this plot in 1957, he saw great potential due to its very special exposure, where the northerly slope meets the eastern slope. These unique conditions allow temperatures to remain cooler in this parcel, meaning it was often harvested last to ensure perfect ripeness. Henri Jayer was very proud of this Premier Cru, first harvested in 1978, which consistently delivered great wines with mineral qualities and intense fruit aromas, and with ageing potential comparable to its big brother, Richebourg.

A few words about lot 2, Vosne-Romanée "Cros-Parantoux" 1993 in the “North-East” auction, even if it speaks for itself…

1993 was a challenging vintage that resulted in some outstanding red wines, with intense color due to very good extraction. Although more sunny hours would have been welcome, winemakers succeeded in producing wines with great expression from the terroirs, fine tannins, and, in many cases, a beautiful potential for ageing.

This magnum of Cros-Parantoux is a testimony of Henri Jayer’s incredible work, both on this parcel and more generally as a winemaker.

Register now for this online auction and join us on Monday, December 23rd at 2 pm (CET) for this extra-ordinary Christmas 2-lot sale!

Lot 1 in the “North-East” auction presents a rare magnum of Richebourg from the 1978 vintage. On this clay-limestone soil, this Grand Cru is ideally situated in the heart of Burgundy's greatest vineyards, in the famous village of Vosne-Romanée. Covering approximately 8.5 hectares, this relatively small parcel benefits from an optimal exposure, allowing the grapes to ripen in perfect conditions.

Henri Jayer began harvesting this vintage on October 9th, and the yields were small. The first half of the growing season had been unpromising, yet thanks to exceptional weather in September and October, the vintage is recognized as one of the finest of the century. This wine was already extraordinary straight from the barrel, showing all the necessary qualities for aging beautifully. Grand Cru Richebourg is renowned for its aging potential, offering a superb structure with elegant yet firm tannins, which allow the complex, savory aromas of black fruits to develop over time.

This magnum has been ideally stored in a natural cellar in Burgundy ever since it was purchased from the estate. This lot represents a true piece of history, offering a rare opportunity to be part of Henri Jayer’s legacy and to care for this liquid treasure.

Register now for this online auction and join us on December 23rd at 2 pm (CET).