Vins d’Emotion 2 – Domaine Henri Jayer

I have asked readers to pitch in with the vins d’émotion you have enjoyed over the years. I will publish some of these here to show more examples and explanations of what a vin d’émotion is – to you and to me.

The vin d’émotion

Henri Jayer’s Vosne-Romanee Cros Parantoux 1990

I have had the pleasure of enjoying many great wines from all around the world, but those from Burgundy have a special place in my heart. However, even amidst outstanding company – i.e. Coche-Dury, domaines Leroy and d’Auvenay, Roumier, Rousseau, DRC, etc. – the most memorable vin d’émotion has to be Henri Jayer’s Vosne-Romanee 1er Cru Cros Parantoux 1990.

This bottle was shared by a dear friend who had bought the bottle upon release decades ago and had kept it in his private cellar in Courchevel where it lay undisturbed until we opened it in January 2022. 

Immediately upon pop-and-pour, I knew that I was in the presence of something special. It possessed an ethereal, unforgettable, nose with an incredible purity of fruit. Cherries and strawberries wafted up from the glass, sweet, seductive, and drawing you in. You can tell there are no stems, but that perhaps only serves to accentuate the Vosne spice that toys with your palate. Everything is balanced by an incredible minerality and acidity that provides freshness rather than sourness. The tannins were perfectly integrated at this age, and it had a fantastically supple mouth-feel: as if ballet dancers were teasing your tongue.

If it was a bit too warm in the chalet, we’d stick it in the snow outside to cool down a bit, before enjoying small, fresh pours, which got better each time as the wine loosened up with air. Perhaps this had reached its full potential, perhaps it hadn’t. This wine tasted ageless to me. 

To this day, I can still close my eyes and relive that incredible nose on the slopes of the French Alps. My definitive vin d’émotion, and I sincerely hope I will get the chance to try it again some day.

Ben A – from US

Winehog comment

I enjoyed quite a few Jayer wines back in the 1990s and early 2000s. I agree fully: If they are in top form, these are vins d’émotion of the highest grade. Especially, the Cros Parantoux is a unique treat; a vin d’émotion all the way, and then some.

I want to know your vins d’émotion

Send me a message (below) and tell me about the wine, when you drank it (month/year), and a few (or many) words that explain why you loved it. I will publish some of your replies here on Winehog.

Pitch in guys and gals. I know we share the passion.

Note … only the wine and your first name (free of choice) will be mentioned. Only qualified wines within the scope will be published – mainly Burgundies.