Product Description
The 2022 Sylvain Cathiard Vosne-Romanée 1er Cru 'En Orveaux' is a rare and exceptional expression of one of Burgundy’s finest terroirs. Sourced from a small, highly prized parcel of less than 0.3 hectares, planted in 1953, this wine captures the essence of Vosne-Romanée with finesse and power. Situated near the esteemed Grand Cru Echézeaux and not far from the Chambolle-Musigny border, the site is perfectly positioned to impart the wine with an elegant balance of aromatic complexity and mineral structure. With only around three barrels produced in a good year, this is a wine of great rarity and exclusivity.
Aged in a combination of 50% new oak and 50% one-year-old oak, the wine reveals a deep, mid-purple hue and offers an enchanting nose filled with perfumed red berries, overlaid with delicate vanilla notes from the oak. On the palate, the wine reveals a core density of fruit, with wild strawberry flavours at its centre, complemented by a fine structure and a subtle touch of spice. The profile of 'En Orveaux' strikes a perfect balance between the minerality of the site and the depth of the fruit, showing a slightly less finesse than the Reignots, but delivering intensity and complexity that is both pleasing and captivating. The wine’s exceptional finish promises great aging potential, making this an ideal choice for collectors and Burgundy enthusiasts.
Maker
Domaine Sylvain Cathiard stands as a beacon of Burgundy excellence, with a legacy rooted in the Cathiard family’s deep commitment to quality and craftsmanship. Established by Sylvain’s grandfather in the 1930s, the domaine has been passed down through generations, with Sylvain himself taking the reins in 1985 and, more recently, his son Sebastien joining him in 2006. Today, Sebastien runs the domaine with the same passion and precision that has made Sylvain Cathiard wines among the finest in Burgundy.
Spanning 5 hectares across the prestigious villages of Vosne-Romanée, Nuits-Saint-Georges, and Chambolle-Musigny, Domaine Sylvain Cathiard produces wines that are celebrated for their elegance, complexity, and ability to express the true character of their terroir. Sebastien’s meticulous approach to viticulture ensures that every wine is crafted with the utmost care, employing organic principles and minimal intervention winemaking techniques. With a hands-off approach in the cellar, Sebastien allows the natural development of the wine to unfold, ensuring the purity of the fruit shines through while maintaining harmony between the oak and the wine’s inherent structure.
Philosophy
At the heart of Sebastien Cathiard’s philosophy is a commitment to producing wines that reflect the unique terroir of each vineyard. The estate’s focus on organic farming principles ensures that the vines are nurtured in harmony with the land, allowing for the full expression of each vineyard’s potential. Sebastien believes in allowing the wines to evolve naturally, using indigenous yeasts for fermentation and avoiding fining or filtration. In the cellar, the wines are aged in carefully selected oak barrels, with the proportion of new oak adjusted according to the specific requirements of each wine.
The wines of Domaine Sylvain Cathiard are known for their exceptional balance, elegance, and aging potential. Sebastien’s thoughtful approach to winemaking results in wines that are complex yet approachable, with a harmony of fruit, structure, and finesse. The domaine’s small production ensures that every bottle is a true reflection of the estate’s dedication to quality, and each wine is crafted to offer a glimpse into the beauty and depth of Burgundy’s finest vineyards.
Tasting Notes
Nose
Perfumed Red Berries, Vanilla, Spice
The wine opens with a vibrant, perfumed bouquet, displaying delicate red berry aromas with a subtle overlay of vanilla from the oak. There is a hint of spice that adds complexity to the nose, inviting further exploration.
Palate
Wild Strawberry, Mineral, Balanced
On the palate, the wine reveals a core of wild strawberry fruit, balanced by a mineral backbone that adds depth and structure. The tannins are finely integrated, supporting the fruit and giving the wine a solid yet harmonious texture. The wine shows greater intensity than finesse, with the balance of fruit and minerality striking a perfect chord.
Finish
Long, Elegant, Complex
The finish is long and elegant, with a fine, mineral-driven aftertaste that lingers on the palate. The wine’s complexity continues to unfold, revealing layers of flavour that promise excellent aging potential.
The Finer Details
Style – Red Wine
Varietal – Pinot Noir
Country – France
Region – Burgundy
Appellation – Vosne-Romanée 1er Cru 'En Orveaux'
Vintage – 2022
Bottle Size – 750ml
ABV – 13.5%
Oak – 50% New Oak, 50% 1-Year-Old Oak
Farming Practices – Organic Principles
Drink Window – 2030-2037