Henri Jayer was one of the most legendary winemakers in the world. Henri Jayer was known for his Pinot Noirs in the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s from Burgundy, notably the legendary Cros Parantoux. Jayer had strong stands on 100% destem and crushed grape winemaking technique, low yield and quality orientated.

Henri Jayer sadly passed away in 2006, his wines are now insanely rare and expensive, not to mention countless Henri Jayer bottles on the market are fake.

I was incalculably fortunate to be able to drink one of the few remaining bottles of Henri Jayer on the planet. This bottle was drunk at one of the most historical restaurants in France, and the provenance of this bottle is excellent – This bottle was properly stored at their underground wine cellar since release.

The grapes were cold macerated (cuvaison) for 24 days, 100% new oak (apparently only from the forest of Tronçais), non-filtered and bottled by hand.

Tasting Note

This 1986 Henri Jayer Nuits Saint Georges 1er Cru Aux Murgers (Meurgers) is incredibly youthful. It stood next to 1999 Domaine Leroy and it was hard to tell the 1986 Henri Jayer was 13 years older than the Leroy. The 1986 Henri Jayer Nuits Meurgers has an immaculate cleanliness, clean dark fruits and fresh oak spices. Great acidity and concentration despite the cooler and wetter weather conditions in 1986. Seamless. Lightish with great structure and density.

I feel there is a sparkle in the second glass, exotic and smokey flavours of dark fruits sang from the glass. Velvety and pristine. Very sturdy with insane ageing potential. Almost flawless consider the vintage and appellation. 92/100

Note: Just to prove how well Henri Jayer wines ages – The experienced sommelier at the restaurant who has tried many Henri Jayer wines told me ‘The 1983 Henri Jayer Vosne Romanee 1er Cru Aux Brûlée is still a little too young to drink, the 1983 village Vosne Romanee is young but is drinking well now.’