Wines of France / Burgundy / Côte Chalonnaise / Rully / Jaeger-Defaix

​Domaine Jaeger-Defaix

​Hélène Jaeger-Defaix took over her first family vineyard in Rully 1er cru from her great-aunt Henriette Niepce in 2002. The Niepce family's roots run deep in the village, as they have been winegrowers here dating back to the 16th century. Hélène's great-grandfather, Henri Niepce, was instrumental in achieving and promoting Rully’s AOC status in the 1930s. It was long Hélène's dream to carry on the family tradition. By 2005 Hélène and her husband Didier Defaix managed all of the family's Rully vines, in total 4.5 hectares situated in some of the most prestigious crus of the village. By 2012 everything was certified organic. Since then they’ve built a strong reputation for refreshingly elegant Chardonnay and juicy Pinot Noir from this micro-estate. With vineyards only minutes from the Côte de Beaune, along with a similar aspect and soil type, the wines of Rully should be at the very top of the list for those looking for outstanding value in Burgundy. Those at this address only solidify that statement. While quite limited, they are certainly not to be missed.

"We enjoyed a pretty straightforward growing season in 2022 as other than some hydric stress, there was little else of consequence and certainly nothing like we were up against in 2021. We picked from the 27th of August and the fruit was essentially spotless. Yields were average to slightly above average with good ripeness levels that came in between 12.5 and 13.2% for the whites and 12.7 to 13% for the reds. The skins in both varieties were quite thick so we had to press carefully for the whites and vinify lightly for the Pinot, in fact we did almost no punching down. As to the wines, they're clearly on the riper side yet don't lack for freshness or energy. I think they'll be popular as they should drink well young but there is sufficient density such that they should age well too over the medium-term." -- Didier Defaix on the 2022 vintage in Rully

Jaeger-Defaix Rully 1er Cru Blanc Les Cloux 2022
Les Cloux is one of the revered 1er Crus of Rully, located up slope from the 1er Cru Chapitre on a steep slope full of limestone. Fermented and aged in barrique with an 18 month elevage, it is fleshy and full of fruit, balanced with a mineral undertone and a rich structure. "Here the wood treatment is more subtle on the very pretty and more floral-suffused nose of citrus, anise and white orchard fruit scents. There is a finer texture to the punchier medium weight flavors that culminate in a bone-dry, balanced and even more persistent finale. The underlying tension is palpable and overall, this chiseled effort is very good and a wine that should amply repay mid-term keeping." -- Burghound

Jaeger-Defaix Rully 1er Cru Rouge Clos du Chapitre 2022
Clos du Chapitre is a monopole of the domaine, located within the 1er Cru Chapitre and surrounded by a stone wall. A parcel of just over 1ha, it is located directly behind the family house. Aging is in barrique, up to 50% new depending on the vintage, with a 16-18 month elevage. Richly fruited and adorned with spice, this elegantly structured Pinot delivers a classically Burgundian experience, and one that will improve with near term cellaring. "This is aromatically similar to the Préaux but with a slightly spicier quality and in particular, black pepper. Once again I like the mid-palate texture to the succulent but punchy flavors that conclude in a firm, mildly rustic and better balanced finale that is structured enough to repay 5 to 8 years of keeping." -- Burghound

Rully 1er Cru Blanc Mont-Palais 2023
Mont-Palais is located directly above the 1er Cru La Pucelle facing east on a steep slope just below the forest. Fermented and aged in barrique with an 18 month elevage, the chalky clay soils lend a lingering minerality that balances the sappy, forward orchard fruit flavors. "Moderate wood frames vaguely exotic aromas of white peach, dried yellow fruit and a suggestion of lychee. The sleek, delicious and attractively vibrant middle weight flavors possess both an appealing texture as well as a subtle minerality that adds a sense of lift to the lingering finish where a touch of warmth slowly appears. This offers solid quality and is a wine that should drink well young and over the mid-term." -- Burghound

Rully 1er Cru Blanc Rabourcé 2023
Rabourcé is adjacent to 1er Cru Les Cloux on the steepest slope of the hillside directlly above 1er Cru Chapitre in the heart of the appellation. Here, the soils are mostly composed of white clay, and as such the parcel is typically the first to ripen. Fermented and aged in barrique with an 18 month elevage, Rabourcé is characterized by its rich texture and substantial length. "Pungent aromas of wood and reduction overshadow the fruit today. More interesting are the dense, powerful and palate soaking flavors that possess a plenitude of dry extract that imparts a sappy texture to the impressively long finale. This isn't especially refined but it doesn't lack for character and is also worth checking out." -- Burghound