Jayer Henri

Henri Jayer – A Master of Burgundy

Henri Jayer (1922–2006) is regarded as one of Burgundy’s most significant and influential winemakers and is often referred to as the ‘godfather of Burgundy’. Born and raised in the famous wine-growing village of Vosne-Romanée, he was not initially destined for a career in winemaking. However, the outbreak of the Second World War, when he was just 17 years old, forced him to help his father on the vineyard. It was there that René Engel recognised his talent and enabled him to undertake one of the first oenology courses at the college in Beaune.

Jayer made his breakthrough as a winemaker in 1945, when he signed a ten-year contract with the Noirot-Camuzet family, who owned parts of famous vineyards in Vosne-Romanée. He tended their vines and produced the wines in exchange for half of the grapes, which he bottled under his own name. This contract was extended until 1987. At the same time, in the 1950s, Jayer began gradually acquiring small plots of the overgrown Cros Parantoux vineyard . With enormous effort, he cleared and cultivated the site, which had become overgrown with rubble and scrub, for over a decade until he had transformed it once again into a first-class vineyard. By 1978, the vines had matured to such an extent that he bottled a single-varietal Cros Parantoux as a Premier Cru for the first time – this wine made him world-famous and is now traded at record prices .

Jayer’s philosophy was uncompromisingly focused on quality. He relied on rigorous grape selection, low yields and natural methods . As a pioneer, he invented cold maceration before fermentation to draw out maximum colour and aromas from the Pinot Noir , and was one of the first to warn against the use of pesticides . In the cellar, the grapes were completely destemmed and the wine was aged exclusively in new barriques . He avoided filtration in order to preserve the complexity and texture of his wines. His wines, particularly those from the Richebourg, Échézeaux and Cros Parantoux vineyards , captivate with their elegance, concentration and exceptional ageing potential.

His last vintage dates from 2001. Following his death in 2006, Jayer left behind an enormous legacy. Numerous well-known winemakers, such as Jean-Nicolas Méo, Christophe Roumier and Dominique Lafon, count themselves among his pupils. His nephew Emmanuel Rouget, whom he trained as a winemaker, continues to carry on his legacy to this day .

H. Jayer - Echezeaux Grand Cru 1967

Filling level 2.5cm, label heavily damaged and soiled and capsule good.

Contents: 0.75 Liter (€6,533.33* / 1 Liter)

€4,900.00*