Domaine Dujac, Burgundy Excellence from Morey-Saint-Denis
Domaine Dujac stands as one of the most respected and admired domaines in Burgundy. Founded in the late 1960s, it has quickly risen to become a benchmark producer in Morey-Saint-Denis, producing both red and white wines from some of the most prestigious vineyards in the Côte de Nuits and Côte de Beaune. With a philosophy that combines tradition, innovation, and a deep respect for terroir, Domaine Dujac is a must-know name for collectors, sommeliers, and wine lovers worldwide.
A Short History of Domaine Dujac
Domaine Dujac was founded in 1968 by Jacques Seysses, a former biscuit factory heir and passionate wine lover who trained under Gérard Potel at Domaine de la Pousse d'Or. In just a few decades, he transformed a modest estate in Morey-Saint-Denis into a world-class operation.
The Seysses Family: From Vision to Legacy
What began as Jacques Seysses’ vision in the 1960s has now become a multigenerational family estate shaped by innovation and deep respect for Burgundy’s heritage.
Jacques Seysses was originally an outsider to winemaking. After training with Gérard Potel, he brought fresh ideas and a strong Burgundian sensibility to Morey-Saint-Denis. His use of whole-cluster fermentation and emphasis on elegance rather than extraction were innovative at the time.
Today, his son Jeremy Seysses leads the estate alongside his American-born wife Diana Snowden Seysses, who is also the oenologist at Snowden Vineyards in Napa Valley. Jeremy studied enology and worked with top producers in Oregon and Burgundy before returning home to Dujac. His younger brother Alec Seysses is also actively involved.
The family balances tradition and modernity with remarkable finesse: Diana brings a global perspective and scientific rigor, while Jeremy continues to refine the style that made Dujac famous.
A Commitment to Biodynamics and Organic Viticulture
Since 2001, Domaine Dujac has been certified organic, and many biodynamic practices are now deeply embedded in their vineyard management.
Key practices include:
- The use of herbal teas, compost preparations, and cover crops to stimulate soil health.
- Biodiversity in and around the vineyards to foster natural balance.
- Vineyard work done in tune with the lunar calendar.
- No synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers.
This approach aims not only to improve the health of the vines but also to enhance the clarity of terroir expression in the finished wines. The result: wines of purity, vibrancy, and unmistakable origin.
Location: Morey-Saint-Denis in the Côte de Nuits
The estate is based in the heart of Morey-Saint-Denis, a village often overshadowed by its famous neighbors, Gevrey-Chambertin and Chambolle-Musigny, but home to no fewer than five Grand Crus: Clos de la Roche, Clos Saint-Denis, Clos de Tart, Clos des Lambrays, and a portion of Bonnes-Mares shared with Chambolle-Musigny. Dujac’s parcels stretch far beyond its home base, with holdings in Vosne-Romanée, Échezeaux, and even Puligny-Montrachet.
The combination of limestone-rich soils, cooler microclimates, and old vines allows Dujac to craft wines that are both structured and elegant, with remarkable aging potential.
Winemaking Philosophy: Whole Clusters and Precision
Domaine Dujac is known for its consistent use of whole-cluster fermentation, meaning the grapes are fermented with their stems. This adds aromatic complexity, freshness, and a unique structure to the wines. Fermentations are carried out with native yeasts, and aging takes place in French oak barrels—typically with a good proportion of new oak for the Grand Crus.
The overall approach is one of minimal intervention, letting each vineyard site speak for itself.
The Wines of Domaine Dujac
Red Wines
Grand Cru Wines
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Clos de la Roche
Dujac's flagship wine. Profound, age-worthy, and muscular, with dark fruit and mineral tension. -
Clos Saint-Denis
More delicate and perfumed than Clos de la Roche. Fine tannins, floral notes, and long finish. -
Échezeaux
Spicy and plush with a Vosne character. Often approachable earlier. -
Bonnes-Mares
From the Chambolle side. Power and finesse in balance; a Grand Cru with serious longevity. -
Charmes-Chambertin
Generous and expressive, with silky tannins and juicy red fruit. -
Chambertin
One of the domaine’s rarest wines. Deep, structured, and classic Gevrey.
Premier Cru Wines
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Vosne-Romanée 1er Cru Aux Malconsorts
Highly sought-after. Rich and spicy with great depth and structure. -
Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru Les Gruenchers
Elegant and floral with fine tannins and a long finish. -
Morey-Saint-Denis 1er Cru
A blend of several premier cru plots. Balanced and typical of the village’s earthy elegance.
Village Wines
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Morey-Saint-Denis
Fresh, charming, and approachable. A textbook introduction to the domaine’s style. -
Chambolle-Musigny
Delicate and red-fruited, with lifted aromatics and a silky mouthfeel. -
Vosne-Romanée
Spicy and floral, showing the seductive traits of Vosne even at the village level.
White Wines
Though best known for reds, Domaine Dujac also produces elegant, terroir-driven white Burgundies from both Côte de Nuits and Côte de Beaune:
Village Wines
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Morey-Saint-Denis Blanc
Rare and mineral-driven, this white shows surprising depth from an area mostly known for reds. -
Puligny-Montrachet Les Enseignères
A village wine bordering Grand Cru plots. Clean, citrusy, with beautiful minerality.
Premier Cru Wines
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Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru Folatières
Elegant, floral, and precise. Notes of white peach, crushed stones, and fine oak integration. -
Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Combettes
Richer and more textured than Folatières. Orchard fruit, hazelnut, and flinty length. -
Bourgogne Blanc
From parcels near Puligny. A superb entry point: vibrant, fresh, and refined.
Conclusion: A Benchmark in Modern Burgundy
From the powerful Clos de la Roche to the shimmering whites of Puligny-Montrachet, Domaine Dujac remains one of Burgundy’s leading producers. Their precise, terroir-driven approach and commitment to quality have made their wines both desirable and dependable.
If you're building a cellar or exploring Burgundy at a higher level, Domaine Dujac is a name that should be on your radar.