Domaine Jacques Prieur

Since 1868, Domaine Jacques Prieur has created one of the rarest mosaics of terroirs in Burgundy. Today it is probably the only estate owning vineyards on the greatest appellations both of Côte de Beaune and Côte de Nuits: Chambertin, Musigny, Clos Vougeot, Echézeaux, Corton, Meursault or Montrachet. This amazing collection is completed by other prestigious appellations and 3 Clos Monopoles.

An important note from Alex Dale:
In the realm of Domaines constituting unparalleled vineyard holdings in Burgundy, before even talking about the wines they produce, 3 Domaines stand-out the most. Domaine des Hospices de Beaune, Domaine de La Romanée Conti and Domaine Jacques Prieur. The latter originally constituted by the revered co-founder of the Chevaliers de Tastevin at the Chateau de Clos Vougeot, Jacques Prieur himself. His grandson and very long-time, closest friend of mine Martin Prieur remains at the helm of the truly excellent viticultural and winemaking activities of the Domaine, though majority-ownership now resides outside of the immediate family. All Domaines in Burgundy are made-up of vineyards covering one or several of the four levels of Appellation that exist, from Generic, through Village, to Premier Cru and some even owning parcels of Grand Cru. Ownership being skewed generally towards the lowly Appellations and in descending size as you ascend the levels to Grand Cru. Domaine Jacques Prieur totally breaks this mould. By far the greatest vineyard holdings are in Grand Cru, followed by equally impressive numbers of Premier Cru vineyards, then one Village Appellation and a tiny parcel of Generic, literally in the back yard of the Domaine. Among the most famous of their vineyards are located in Le Montrachet, Chevalier-Montrachet, Batard-Montrachet, Corton-Charlemagne, Romanée St. Vivant, Clos Vougeot, Le Chambertin and, my favourite, Le Musigny. The 1990 Le Musigny from Domaine Jacques Prieur is without a doubt the greatest red wine I have ever consumed (over and above numerous DRC wines over the years), though closely equalled last Burgundian Summer by a 1939 Le Musigny, from another friend’s Winery, over a braai at Martin Prieur’s house. From this most majestic of red wine vineyards in the world, the 2016 Le Musigny is certainly one of the all-time greats, and is worth every penny of its price. I worked there and Martin came out to South Africa in 1996 to work the vintage with me.