Domaine Henri Jayer
Burgundy
Address:
Website:
Winemaker:
Henri Jayer passed away in 2006, and since then, the vineyards have been managed by other parties. The Jayer family no longer makes wine under the Domaine Henri Jayer label. The closest continuation of his winemaking legacy would be his nephew, Emmanuel Rouget, who took over many of his vineyards and practices. However, Emmanuel is not officially the winemaker for Domaine Henri Jayer as it had ceased its own production by the time of Henri Jayer's passing.
First Vintage:
1951
Accepts Visitors:
No
PRESTIGE
5
Summary
Domaine Henri Jayer is a name that commands respect and admiration in the world of fine wines, particularly in the Burgundy region of France. The winery, although no longer producing new vintages under the Henri Jayer label following Henri's retirement and eventual passing, remains an iconic and storied estate, with wines that are highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts around the globe.
The domaine was located in Vosne-Romanée, a village that is often dubbed the jewel of the Côte de Nuits in Burgundy. Here, the confluence of terroir, climate, and varietal has created some of the most magnificent Pinot Noirs in the world. Henri Jayer, the eponymous founder, was a revered winemaker who began his journey in the 1940s and continued to influence the wine-making world until his retirement in 2001.
Jayer’s philosophy was grounded in minimal intervention. He was a vehement advocate for low yields, meticulous hand-sorting of grapes, destemming, and the avoidance of filtration. His winemaking style emphasized the natural expression of the vineyard, which he achieved by employing pre-fermentation cold maceration to extract color and flavors gently, and by aging the wine in a moderate amount of new oak barrels. This approach ensures that each bottle of Henri Jayer wine is a pure reflection of its terroir, with the oak influence never overshadowing the varietal characteristics.
The vineyards of Domaine Henri Jayer were relatively small, covering only about 6 hectares. Among these, the most celebrated plot is the Cros Parantoux, a premier cru vineyard that Jayer brought to fame. Despite its modest 1.01-hectare size, Cros Parantoux competes with the quality and prestige of the Grand Crus. The soil here is rich in iron and limestone, imparting distinctive minerality and complexity to the wine.
The wines produced under Henri Jayer's name are legendary for their richness, depth, and extraordinary capacity for aging. They are known to exhibit a silky texture, deep cherry and raspberry notes, complemented by nuanced hints of spices, earthiness, and a well-integrated oak presence. As a result of their quality and rarity, Henri Jayer wines often command high prices at auctions and can be considered as some of the most collectible and prestigious wines in the world.
Although the wines of Domaine Henri Jayer are no longer produced, the legacy continues through the work of his nephews, who have been influenced by his techniques and philosophy. The domain has been a benchmark in the industry, inspiring countless winemakers and setting a standard for excellence in Burgundy wine production.
For those who visit the region, the memory of Henri Jayer lives on through tastings of vintages past and the evocative landscapes of Vosne-Romanée's vineyards. Visitors are indulged in the history and tradition that have shaped this renowned winery, as well as the lasting impression it has made on the world of luxury wine.
