H. Jayer - Vosne-Romanée Cros-Parantoux 1978

Henri Jayer - Vosne-Romanée Cros-Parantoux 1978

1 Introduction and historical significance

Henri Jayer Vosne-Romanée Cros-Parantoux 1978is more than just a wine; it is an icon, a legend and for many the holy grail of Burgundy. It epitomises the philosophy of a man who has shaped the modern wine world of Burgundy like no other.

Henri Jayer (1922-2006) was a pioneer. His meticulous work in the vineyard (e.g. vendange verte- thinning out the grapes for more concentration), his extremely strict selection and his gentle vinification (including cold maceration, use of new barriques) set completely new standards. The Cros-Parantoux was his personal masterpiece, a neglected parcel that he painstakingly reclaimed in the 1950s and worked with dynamite (!) to make the barren limestone soil accessible for vines.

The 1978 vintagein Burgundy is a classic, elegant and long-lived vintage. It followed the ripe, powerful 1976 and 1978 vintages and stands for freshness, precision and finesse - characteristics that perfectly matched Jayer's style.

2. the site: Cros-Parantoux

• Site: Vosne-Romanée 1er Cru

• Size: Only about 0.7 hectares

• Neighbours: Directly above the undisputed top Grand Cru site Richebourg.

• Soil: Similar to Richebourg, very poor, with a thin layer of soil over prehistoric limestone rock. This poverty forces the vines to root deeply and gives the wine its immense minerality and complexity.

Under Jayer, the Cros-Parantoux reached such a level of quality that it often equalled and sometimes even surpassed the Grand Crus in terms of price and reputation.

3. sensory description (based on historical tasting notes)

An intact, originally packaged and correctly stored Jayer Cros-Parantoux 1978 offers a breathtaking experience even after more than 45 years. Its development in the glass is a slowly unfolding revelation.

• Colour:Surprisingly lively for its age. A medium, translucent ruby red with delicate orange (oak-brownish) reflections on the rim. Shows no fatigue.

• Nose:An incredibly complex symphony of flavours. Initially, an intense, terroir-influenced note of damp earth, truffles, underground mushrooms and decaying leaves(sous-bois) opens up. Ripe, preserved red fruits such as cherries and plum jam unfold underneath, mixed with exotic spices (liquorice, clove), a delicate animal note and a cool, stony minerality.

• Palate:The elegance and power are breathtaking. The texture is silky, almost weightless, but of infinite density and depth. The flavours of ripe red fruits, truffles and forest floor continue. The acidity is wonderfully lively and fresh, giving the wine its youthful vitality and supporting the still present but perfectly integrated tannin structure. The wine has an unrivalled length and sweetness(sucrosité) without ever being overpowering.

• Finish:The aftertaste is monumental and lasts for minutes. It leaves memories of fruit, stone and the unmistakable "flavour of Vosne" - a mixture of spice and floral elegance.

4 Current condition and drinking maturity

• Maturity:The 1978 has reached full maturity and is on a long-lasting plateau. It is not a wine that is still gaining depth, but one that fully reveals its complex beauty. The big question is not whether it is ripe, but whether the provenance (storage) was perfect. An incorrectly stored bottle can be long past its prime.

• Storage: Perfect, uninterrupted storageat 12-14°C and high humidity is crucial. The cork is vulnerable after more than 45 years; gentle opening with an awl is recommended.

• Decanting:Only very briefly (15-30 minutes) or better: allow to develop directly from the bottle in the glass. The aim is not to aerate, but merely to separate the wine from any existing sediment.

5. evaluation and market situation

• Evaluation:In the world of wine evaluations, this wine is regularly awarded the highest score (100/100) if it comes from perfect storage. It is the perfect symbiosis of a great terroir, a classic vintage and the genius of a winemaker.

• Value and rarity: The Jayer Cros-Parantoux 1978 is extremely rare. Henri Jayer only produced a few hundred bottles per vintage. The value of a bottle on the auction market is 25,000 - 40,000 euros or more, depending on the condition and provenance. It is a coveted object for passionate collectors and investors.

6. conclusion

The Henri Jayer Vosne-Romanée Cros-Parantoux 1978is a timeless piece of wine history. It is proof that great wine is not just a drink, but an expression of place, time and personality.

Tasting this wine is a rare privilege. It is a journey into the past that simultaneously celebrates the enduring values of balance, complexity and depth. It is the ultimate symbol of the magic of Burgundy and the legacy of its greatest magician, Henri Jayer.