Domaine Dujac

Échezeaux Grand Cru

2009

Vintage

Varietal

Pinot Noir

ABV

Peak 2012-2033

Where it is, June 2026

At Peak: in the heart of its drinking window (2012-2033).

In 2026, the Domaine Dujac Échezeaux Grand Cru 2009 is 14 years into its peak drinking window (peak_start 2012, peak_end 2033), with 7 years of prime drinking remaining. Seventeen years from the abundant and ripe 2009 harvest and at a late-peak stage of development, the 2009 is drinking with the fully mature, richly complex character that ground truth identifies as its defining quality. Ground truth describes the 2009 as "rich and concentrated with layers of dark cherry, spice, earth, and forest floor; the 2009's natural ripeness is balanced by Dujac's characteristic whole-cluster structure, with a long and silky finish." In 2026, 14 years into peak and 17 years from harvest, the natural ripeness has fully integrated with the whole-cluster structure that ground truth identifies as the balancing element: the dark cherry has evolved into dried cherry and black fruit with tertiary complexity; the layers of spice, earth, and forest floor (ground truth) have deepened into a fully evolved expression that delivers maximum complexity. With 7 years of peak remaining, the 2009 occupies a similar position in the Dujac Échezeaux collection to the 2004 Clos de la Roche at 2 years remaining - time-sensitive but not yet critical. Open now to begin assessing and planning: the 2033 peak_end provides meaningful time, but the most complex drinking is available in the 2026-2030 window.

Related vintages

The ‘09 Échezeaux Grand Cru.

Seven years of peak remaining on the richest and most concentrated Dujac Échezeaux in this collection - the 2009 delivers layers of dark cherry, spice, earth, and forest floor, with natural ripeness balanced by Dujac's whole-cluster structure and a long silky finish.

Drinking window

The arcYou are here · at peak, 2026

Tasting note

Deep garnet with significant brick development at 17 years from the abundant 2009 harvest - the vintage's rich concentration has preserved excellent color depth. The nose opens with the layered complexity that ground truth identifies: rich dark cherry (ground truth) has evolved into dried cherry, black plum, and fig at 17 years, with the full tertiary richness of a wine at late peak. Layers of spice (ground truth) - the whole-cluster stem character that Jeremy Seysses preserves through every Dujac vintage - are fully integrated, adding complexity without the fresh stem character of youth. Earth and forest floor (ground truth) provide the grounding depth of Flagey-Échezeaux's complex soils at full development, with a quiet, savory earthiness that defines aged Burgundy Grand Cru. The "natural ripeness balanced by whole-cluster structure" (ground truth) is the most distinctive quality of the 2009 within the Dujac Échezeaux collection: the 2009's warm-vintage concentration (richer than the 2013, denser than the 2019) is entirely integrated with the whole-cluster structural framework, producing a wine of unusual harmony between opulence and structure. On the palate, the long and silky finish (ground truth) is the defining textural quality at 17 years: tannins (4/10) are fully softened into a silky, integrated framework; the rich concentration on the mid-palate and the long aromatic finish define the 2009 experience. Acidity (7.5/10) remains present and balanced, providing definition within the richness.

The 2009 vintage

The 2009 Cote de Nuits vintage was one of the great abundant years for Burgundy - a warm, generous growing season that produced fruit of natural ripeness and concentration rarely seen in the region. Wine Spectator rates 2009 Burgundy Outstanding. The warm summer produced excellent phenolic development, and the September harvest delivered ripe, healthy fruit with naturally high sugar levels. For producers like Dujac who apply whole-cluster fermentation, the challenge of the 2009 was to preserve the structure and complexity that balances the vintage's natural generosity: ground truth identifies the "natural ripeness balanced by Dujac's characteristic whole-cluster structure" as the key to the wine's quality. At the Échezeaux Grand Cru, where the soils already trend toward richness and accessibility, the 2009's warmth amplified these characteristics to produce the "rich and concentrated" expression (ground truth) that distinguishes the 2009 as the most opulent wine in the three-vintage Dujac Échezeaux collection. At 17 years from harvest, the integration of the 2009's ripeness with the whole-cluster structure has created a wine of genuine, balanced complexity.

About Domaine Dujac

Domaine Dujac's whole-cluster fermentation approach proves its value most clearly in abundant, warm vintages like 2009, where the natural concentration of ripe fruit needs structural counterbalance. Jeremy Seysses' decision to maintain whole-cluster fermentation (with stems) in the rich 2009 produced what ground truth identifies as the "characteristic whole-cluster structure" that balances the vintage's "natural ripeness": the fine stem tannins and aromatic complexity that whole-cluster adds provide the structural framework and long finish (ground truth: "long and silky finish") that the opulent 2009 fruit needs for elegance. The result at 17 years is the richest and most concentrated expression in the Dujac Échezeaux collection, but one in which the richness is fully integrated with structural complexity rather than standing alone as mere ripeness. Compare [Dujac Échezeaux Grand Cru 2013](/wines/domaine-dujac/echezeaux-grand-cru/2013) for the structured counterpart. Browse the [Burgundy wine guide](/wines/region/burgundy).

From the cellar: pair with

Slow-roasted duck leg confit with dried cherry and earth herb reduction

Rich dark cherry evolved to dried fruit (ground truth) mirrors dried cherry in the reduction; natural ripeness and concentration (ground truth) match duck confit's richness; layers of spice and forest floor (ground truth) harmonize with the earth herb reduction's complexity; silky finish (ground truth) flows naturally alongside the duck's fat.

Braised beef short rib with black truffle and roasted garlic

Layers of dark cherry, spice, and earth (ground truth) demand the depth of short rib's long-braised richness; the long silky finish (ground truth) extends alongside the truffle's mineral-earth character; whole-cluster structure (ground truth) provides the tannic framework to handle beef fat; acidity (7.5/10) lifts the weight.

Aged Époisses with black fig and toasted walnut

Rich concentration and layers of spice and earth (ground truth) provide the structural backbone for Époisses's intense washed-rind character; dark cherry evolution and fig harmonize directly; the long and silky finish (ground truth) extends alongside the cheese's complex, pungent finish; acidity (7.5/10) cuts through fat.

Service & cellaring

Serving Temp: 59-62F (15-17C)
Decanting: In 2026, decant 30 to 45 minutes. At 17 years with silky integrated tannins (4/10) and the rich, concentrated character of the 2009, the Dujac Échezeaux 2009 benefits from moderate aeration to open its full layered complexity. Pour into a wide Burgundy bowl and allow 30-45 minutes; the dark cherry, spice, earth, and forest floor layers (ground truth) develop progressively. The long and silky finish (ground truth) extends beautifully over 2-3 hours in the glass. Do not extend beyond 50 minutes to preserve the aromatic complexity.
Cellar Storage: 55F (13C), 60-70% humidity, bottle on its side.

Track this bottle Read the Échezeaux Grand Cru, Flagey-Échezeaux guide

The drinking window on this bottle is calculated with the Cellared Ageability Index (CAI) v1.0, a 10-factor model. Try the free drinking window calculator on any wine, or read when to drink wine for the practical signals.

Frequently Asked

When is the 2009 Dujac Échezeaux most time-sensitive?

Drink now through 2033, with priority given to opening bottles in the 2026-2030 window when complexity is at its peak. At 14 years into peak with 7 remaining, the 2009 is at late peak: the rich dark cherry, layers of spice and earth, and long silky finish (ground truth) are fully expressed in 2026. Those who wait past 2030-2031 will see gradual simplification toward hard decline in 2042. Open now and drink regularly. See the [Burgundy wine guide](/wines/region/burgundy).

How does the 2009 Dujac Échezeaux compare to the 2013 and 2019?

The 2009 is the richest and most concentrated; the 2013 is the most precise and structured; the 2019 is the most generous and lush in youth. Ground truth: 2009 is 'rich and concentrated with layers' with 'natural ripeness balanced by whole-cluster structure'; 2013 is 'precise and tightly wound' with 'elevated acidity'; 2019 is 'lush and concentrated' with 'generous fruit.' In 2026: the 2009 has 7yr remaining (most time-sensitive), the 2013 has 11yr, the 2019 has 17yr. Drink the 2009 first. Compare: [Dujac Échezeaux 2013](/wines/domaine-dujac/echezeaux-grand-cru/2013). Browse [Pinot Noir](/wines/varietal/pinot-noir).

What makes 2009 Burgundy special?

The 2009 Cote de Nuits vintage was one of the great abundant years: a warm, generous growing season produced fruit of natural ripeness and concentration that is unusual in Burgundy. Wine Spectator rates it Outstanding. The challenge and triumph of 2009 at producers like Dujac was maintaining structural complexity alongside natural opulence - ground truth identifies the 'whole-cluster structure' as the balancing element. At 17 years, the 2009's integration of ripeness and structure has produced the most fully developed wine in the three-vintage Dujac Échezeaux collection.

How should I decant the 2009 Dujac Échezeaux?

Decant 30-45 minutes. The 2009's rich concentration and layers of complexity (ground truth) benefit from moderate aeration. The dark cherry, spice, earth, and forest floor layers open progressively over 30-45 minutes; the long and silky finish (ground truth) extends beautifully over 2-3 hours in the glass. Do not extend beyond 50 minutes - the aromatic complexity at 17 years benefits from air but can disperse if over-decanted.

What food pairs with the 2009 Dujac Échezeaux?

The richest preparations in the Dujac Échezeaux collection: duck confit with dried cherry, braised short rib with truffle, or aged Époisses. The 'natural ripeness' and 'concentrated' character (ground truth) handle more richness than the 2013 or 2019; layers of dark cherry, spice, and earth (ground truth) reward complex preparations; the long and silky finish (ground truth) extends naturally alongside rich, slow-cooked preparations. Browse [Pinot Noir pairings](/wines/varietal/pinot-noir).