It is not that common to have an acclaimed estate come to an unexpected and abrupt close, but sadly, that is what occurred at Domaine Réne Engel upon the 2005 death of the domaine’s director and founder’s grandson, Philippe Engel. In 2006, the family’s holdings were purchased by billionaire François Pinault, owner of Château Latour, who subsequently established Domaine d’Eugenie in its place. Réne Engel was known for producing some of the most elegant Pinot Noir in Vosne-Romanée. Its holdings spanned across six hectares, and included grand cru, premier cru and village-level sites.Its portfolio was nothing if not impressive: Pinot Noir from the premier cru vineyard Les Brulées, and wines from all three grand cru sites – Clos Vougeot, Grands-Echézeaux, and Echézeaux. The winemaking process was moderate yet precise: vinification occurred with little extraction, and new oak was kept to a minimum. Domaine Réne Engel is no more, but the legendary wines have achieved an almost incomparable status due to both their elegance and limited availability. Through them, the family and its legacy lives on.