We have been tasting Frédéric Esmonin's wines for over twenty years, and they are true-to-form representations of red Burgundy at very reasonable pricing. We have some rare half bottles of this excellent Estournelles-St.-Jacques today, which is a great format, as we are always looking for excellent premier and grand crus in smaller bottles. The Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru Estournelles-St.-Jacques is one of the top wines produced at this address and is sourced from a 0.85-hectare parcel perched above Lavaux, adjacent to the famed Clos Saint-Jacques. The site's thin, gravelly soils, overlying crinoidal limestone, are enriched with clay, fossils, and sand, promoting richness and complexity. The vineyard is on a southeast-facing slope, with cooling winds from the Combe des Lavaux moderating ripeness. At the same time, marl layers with oyster-shell fossils add minerality and finesse, echoing the terroir of Chambertin and Clos de Bèze. Frédéric Esmonin primarily employs traditional winemaking techniques, including partial destemming, cold maceration, and aging in 20-30% new oak barrels. The 2023 vintage is lovely, characterized by concentration, balance, and vibrant acidity. The purity of the Pinot Noir is beguiling, showcasing an elegant balance of fruit, structure, and weight, with cooler conditions lending refinement and precision, making the 2023 one of the best of all time and an excellent value for premier cru red Burgundy in a half bottle right now.