We gathered in the Hotel de Poste in Beaune on Friday 18th November to taste through samples of the 2010s offered by the Syndicat members. Certainly the list of producers was far from complete, but an excellent selection of 83 wines from 32 producers was spread across three tables for us; Villages, Premier Crus and Grand Crus. Some wines, whilst coming from Gevrey, had producers based elsewhere, for instance Fixin, Morey and Marsannay.
It is the first time that the Syndicat has made such a tasting, after deciding earlier in the year that they shouldn’t send samples to publications in March when the wines are usually in full malo – they prefer to show their wines to a ‘professional’ audience when there is something of the final wine to discern. Good for them!
Quite a number of Gevrey vignerons were on hand to discuss their wines, indeed there were more vignerons than press after a majority of those that signed up chose not to attend – sad but on their heads be it. The tasters that remained were mainly assiduous in respecting and appraising the contents of each and every bottle. A nice lunch was served that included a selection of vintage 2000 wines – but we had to work for our supper (lunch!), by explaining to the whole restaurant, microphone in hand, what we had so-far found.
Including lunch, admittedly a leisurely lunch, it took me about 5 hours to make all the notes and what more reassuring aspect could you have about the tasting, than that it took 24 hours for my blue-coloured tongue to return to normal – we haven’t had that for a few vintages have we(?)
This was a very good showing indeed – occasional wines were a little out of sorts, some a little austere and others were stylistically marked by oak. Despite all that, I found the average presentation much better than is normally the case for big en-primeur tastings in London, despite this tasting being about 2 months earlier in the calendar; I assume the ‘mere’ fifteen mile trip from Gevrey to Beaune allowed the wines to be fresher and probably not require additional doses of sulfur.
Also check out the reports of tasters-in-arms Patrick Maclart and Patrick Essa – naturally en Français!
The Villages
2010 René Bouvier, Gevrey-Chambertin Racines du Temps
The nose offers a good depth of round cushioned fruit. Lithe, wiry and with an excellent expansion in the mid-palate. Very, very good wine.
The nose offers a good depth of round cushioned fruit. Lithe, wiry and with an excellent expansion in the mid-palate. Very, very good wine.
2010 Castagnier, Gevrey-Chambertin Les Seuvrées
The nose has plenty of floral and high tones. Quite fresh, indeed a little acid-forward. After the Bouvier this is a little slight though with good finishing flavour, edged with licorice. Almost good but no more.
The nose has plenty of floral and high tones. Quite fresh, indeed a little acid-forward. After the Bouvier this is a little slight though with good finishing flavour, edged with licorice. Almost good but no more.
2010 Philippe Charlopin, Gevrey-Chambertin Vieilles Vignes
The nose has lots of depth, some oak too – but it gets away with it – just. Sour cherry-fruit flavour goes with excellent acidity – narrow in the finish but quite long. Good.
The nose has lots of depth, some oak too – but it gets away with it – just. Sour cherry-fruit flavour goes with excellent acidity – narrow in the finish but quite long. Good.
2010 Domaine Chevalier, Gevrey-Chambertin
The nose seems a little diffuse, yet there seems to be much to hold my interest. Round and friendly, actually a bit simple, but saved by a great finish. Good.
The nose seems a little diffuse, yet there seems to be much to hold my interest. Round and friendly, actually a bit simple, but saved by a great finish. Good.
2010 Drouhin-Laroze, Gevrey-Chambertin
Dark but pretty fruit. Lithe though with slightly tart acidity. Good width but less compelling than many. Almost good.
Dark but pretty fruit. Lithe though with slightly tart acidity. Good width but less compelling than many. Almost good.
2010 Sylvie Esmonin, Gevrey-Chambertin Vieilles Vignes
The nose is deep and complex – understated stems, flowers too – there’s everything in here. This is quite mineral and intense with plenty of growing flavour. Excellent.
The nose is deep and complex – understated stems, flowers too – there’s everything in here. This is quite mineral and intense with plenty of growing flavour. Excellent.
2010 Jerome Galeyrand, Gevrey-Chambertin Billard
The nose is a little tight – just a few faint florals. In the mouth this is wide with almost good tannin. The acidity is a little tart but I find this quite engaging. Good.
The nose is a little tight – just a few faint florals. In the mouth this is wide with almost good tannin. The acidity is a little tart but I find this quite engaging. Good.
2010 Jerome Galeyrand, Gevrey-Chambertin Vieilles Vignes Croisette
The nose is more involving than that of this domaines ‘Billard’ – a little cushioned, high-toned and perhaps with hints of stems. Hmmm. This is lithe, intense and has a lovely finish. Excellent.
The nose is more involving than that of this domaines ‘Billard’ – a little cushioned, high-toned and perhaps with hints of stems. Hmmm. This is lithe, intense and has a lovely finish. Excellent.
2010 Emile Geantet, Gevrey-Chambertin Vieilles Vignes
Concentrated red cherry fruit. Not as structured as many despite excellent acidity. Very good in the mid-palate and the flavour holds well. I quite like this.
Concentrated red cherry fruit. Not as structured as many despite excellent acidity. Very good in the mid-palate and the flavour holds well. I quite like this.
2010 Geantet-Pansiot, Gevrey-Chambertin En Champs
The nose has nice depth with some high tones. More mineral than the last wine and with very good acidity fitting well with the intense flavour. This is a hint softer than some but it’s a very good wine.
The nose has nice depth with some high tones. More mineral than the last wine and with very good acidity fitting well with the intense flavour. This is a hint softer than some but it’s a very good wine.
2010 Jean-Michel Guillon, Gevrey-Chambertin Vieilles Vignes
At centre-stage there’s some vanilla-oak but not too overpowering as there’s plenty of high-toned interest too. Not super depth to the flavour but everything is in place on a reasonably subtle level. It’s certainly a pretty wine, perhaps it’s just a little tight as there’s not much impact.
At centre-stage there’s some vanilla-oak but not too overpowering as there’s plenty of high-toned interest too. Not super depth to the flavour but everything is in place on a reasonably subtle level. It’s certainly a pretty wine, perhaps it’s just a little tight as there’s not much impact.
2010 Harmand-Geoffroy, Gevrey-Chambertin Vieilles Vignes
Plenty of oak that supports… well, it’s hard to say because of all the oak. In the mouth this is rescued by a lovely, lithe and fresh personality. If the oak reduces this could be good.
Plenty of oak that supports… well, it’s hard to say because of all the oak. In the mouth this is rescued by a lovely, lithe and fresh personality. If the oak reduces this could be good.
2010 Heresztyn, Gevrey-Chambertin Vieilles Vignes
A tight nose. There’s a little astringency, plenty of acidity and a decent intensity. In the mid-palate the flavour expands really well. Good wine.
A tight nose. There’s a little astringency, plenty of acidity and a decent intensity. In the mid-palate the flavour expands really well. Good wine.
2010 Humbert Frères, Gevrey-Chambertin Vieilles Vignes
A little too much reduction; slowly there’s some cohesion and a creamy depth. There’s a high-toned width and matching flavours – again a little reduction masquerading as oak. Too early to say.
A little too much reduction; slowly there’s some cohesion and a creamy depth. There’s a high-toned width and matching flavours – again a little reduction masquerading as oak. Too early to say.
2010 Philippe Livera (Domaine des Tilleuls), Gevrey-Chambertin Clos Village
(Sur fût scribbled on the label) The nose is tight and just a little oaky too. Plenty of oak flavour too but the basic structure and lingering flavour is almost good.
(Sur fût scribbled on the label) The nose is tight and just a little oaky too. Plenty of oak flavour too but the basic structure and lingering flavour is almost good.
2010 Philippe Livera (Domaine des Tilleuls), Gevrey-Chambertin Les Evocelles
(Sur fût scribbled on the label) Depth and texture to the nose – there’s certainly some oak but this is very pretty. In the mouth this is a little cushioned and shows very fine tannin – lots of growing flavour. Already this is very tasty and very good.
(Sur fût scribbled on the label) Depth and texture to the nose – there’s certainly some oak but this is very pretty. In the mouth this is a little cushioned and shows very fine tannin – lots of growing flavour. Already this is very tasty and very good.
2010 Laroze de Drouhin, Gevrey-Chambertin Les Grandes Rayes
Some sweetness and quite a round nose. Good acidity with understated furry tannin – interestingly long. Almost good.
Some sweetness and quite a round nose. Good acidity with understated furry tannin – interestingly long. Almost good.
2010 Marc Roy, Gevrey-Chambertin Vieilles Vignes
The nose is round, with lots of engagement. Very, very fine texture and plenty of flavour. Very good balance. Very nice.
The nose is round, with lots of engagement. Very, very fine texture and plenty of flavour. Very good balance. Very nice.
2010 Marc Roy, Gevrey-Chambertin Clos Prieur
The nose is quite understated but seems fine with very pretty floral aromas. Again there’s very silky tannin – you could almost miss it. It’s hard not to love this wine. Excellent.
The nose is quite understated but seems fine with very pretty floral aromas. Again there’s very silky tannin – you could almost miss it. It’s hard not to love this wine. Excellent.
2010 Marc Roy, Gevrey-Chambertin Cuvée Alexandrine
The nose has both high-tones and depth but today limited width. Tannins are once-more very, very silky – the intensity grows impressively in the mid-palate. Excellent flavour, excellent wine.
The nose has both high-tones and depth but today limited width. Tannins are once-more very, very silky – the intensity grows impressively in the mid-palate. Excellent flavour, excellent wine.
2010 Marchand-Grillot, Gevrey-Chambertin En Songe
This smells rather nice, eventually with pretty high tones and perhaps some stems. Ooh – here is a different weight, perhaps a premier cru weight of extract. Potentially excellent.
This smells rather nice, eventually with pretty high tones and perhaps some stems. Ooh – here is a different weight, perhaps a premier cru weight of extract. Potentially excellent.
2010 Denis Mortet, Gevrey-Chambertin En Champs
High tones mix with oak notes. Round and quite full but with plenty of structure and freshness. Whilst there’s plenty of oak flavour, there’s plenty of flavour in general. Despite the oak, excellent.
High tones mix with oak notes. Round and quite full but with plenty of structure and freshness. Whilst there’s plenty of oak flavour, there’s plenty of flavour in general. Despite the oak, excellent.
2010 Thierry Mortet, Gevrey-Chambertin
There’s a little reduction but a smooth width to the nose too. Understated tannin and a good shape to the acidity, the fruit flavour leaching from the gaps in your teeth. This is very good.
There’s a little reduction but a smooth width to the nose too. Understated tannin and a good shape to the acidity, the fruit flavour leaching from the gaps in your teeth. This is very good.
2010 Thierry Mortet, Gevrey-Chambertin Vigne Belle
Flowers and depth on the nose – not so wide. A fresh complexion to the flavours and structure. Super intensity to the finishing flavour. Excellent.
Flowers and depth on the nose – not so wide. A fresh complexion to the flavours and structure. Super intensity to the finishing flavour. Excellent.
2010 Philippe Naddef, Gevrey-Chambertin Vieilles Vignes
The nose is interesting; wide and rather complex, eventually with violets. The texture starts silky, the tannin slowly comes to the fore but not much grain. Lovely intensity of flavour in the mid-palate. I like this!
The nose is interesting; wide and rather complex, eventually with violets. The texture starts silky, the tannin slowly comes to the fore but not much grain. Lovely intensity of flavour in the mid-palate. I like this!
2010 Rossignol-Trapet, Gevrey-Chambertin Aux Etelois
There’s a cushioned, creamy depth to the fruit aroma. This seems quite distinguished, very good acid balance and depth of flavour too. There’s plenty of oak character, but this is excellent.
There’s a cushioned, creamy depth to the fruit aroma. This seems quite distinguished, very good acid balance and depth of flavour too. There’s plenty of oak character, but this is excellent.
2010 Philippe Rossignol, Gevrey-Chambertin
High-toned bright fruits. Some furry tannin plus very good acidity – the entry seems a little dull but from the mid-palate into the finish this is quite tasty.
High-toned bright fruits. Some furry tannin plus very good acidity – the entry seems a little dull but from the mid-palate into the finish this is quite tasty.
2010 Gérard Seguin, Gevrey-Chambertin Vieilles Vignes
It’s a high-toned and interesting nose. Some sweetness to the fruit and a good mid-palate structure. Good.
It’s a high-toned and interesting nose. Some sweetness to the fruit and a good mid-palate structure. Good.
2010 Serafin Père et Fils, Gevrey-Chambertin Vieilles Vignes
An understated yet complex nose, slightly savoury. Some sweetness, decent tannin and very good acidity. Slowly the high-toned fruit flavours come to the fore. Good length. This is very, very good.
An understated yet complex nose, slightly savoury. Some sweetness, decent tannin and very good acidity. Slowly the high-toned fruit flavours come to the fore. Good length. This is very, very good.
2010 Tortochot, Gevrey-Chambertin Champerrier
The nose has depth, but mainly from oak. Toasty oak flavours and whilst the structure seems okay, I really don’t like it.
The nose has depth, but mainly from oak. Toasty oak flavours and whilst the structure seems okay, I really don’t like it.
2010 Trapet Père et Fils, Gevrey-Chambertin
A very interesting nose, hints of musk and a dark fruit note – okay, I’m involved. Round and reasonably full in the mouth. The acidity is very good if initially hidden by the extract plus a little oak. Long and very pretty – excellent!
A very interesting nose, hints of musk and a dark fruit note – okay, I’m involved. Round and reasonably full in the mouth. The acidity is very good if initially hidden by the extract plus a little oak. Long and very pretty – excellent!
2010 Taupenot-Merme, Gevrey-Chambertin
Some herbs and an interesting top to bottom depth. In the mouth there’s plenty of width to the flavours with good structure and slowly increasing intensity. A very good wine.
Some herbs and an interesting top to bottom depth. In the mouth there’s plenty of width to the flavours with good structure and slowly increasing intensity. A very good wine.
The Premier Crus
Tasted Friday 18th November 2011. The obvious difference when you move to these premiers (from the villages) is the extra sweetness and more intensity. I only found one of the wines a little austere – there were more in the grand crus. The average quality here is excellent though.
2010 Drouhin-Laroze, Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru Au Closeau
The nose is very pretty and shows quite some depth. In the mouth this is sweetly cushioned and has a width of flavour that grows in the mid-palate. Not a top 1er cru, but a very nice wine.
The nose is very pretty and shows quite some depth. In the mouth this is sweetly cushioned and has a width of flavour that grows in the mid-palate. Not a top 1er cru, but a very nice wine.
2010 René Bouvier, Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru Les Fontenys
Some higher-toned, pretty-much volatile notes but with fine depth. Again, sweet ripe fruit and quite smooth texture too. After the villages this is a hint disappointing, but that volatile note could just be the sample.
Some higher-toned, pretty-much volatile notes but with fine depth. Again, sweet ripe fruit and quite smooth texture too. After the villages this is a hint disappointing, but that volatile note could just be the sample.
2010 Sylvie Esmonin, Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru Clos St. Jacques
The stems are a little obvious right now, but there’s lovely red fruit and flowers too. Hmm – gorgeous – width, texture and flavour – not a bad first impression! There is also some flavour from the stems but something much more stony too – super length. The stems are just a bit gothic right now, if their intensity fades this will be excellent.
The stems are a little obvious right now, but there’s lovely red fruit and flowers too. Hmm – gorgeous – width, texture and flavour – not a bad first impression! There is also some flavour from the stems but something much more stony too – super length. The stems are just a bit gothic right now, if their intensity fades this will be excellent.
2010 Domaine Duroché, Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru Lavaux St.Jacques
The direct berry-fruit aromas are quite pretty – almost a redcurrant preserve. Relatively round with penetrating acidity and again high-toned red fruit flavours. This is the only wine in whole tasting that presents like this, so whilst it certainly has personality, does it have ‘Gevrey-ness?’ I like it anyway!
The direct berry-fruit aromas are quite pretty – almost a redcurrant preserve. Relatively round with penetrating acidity and again high-toned red fruit flavours. This is the only wine in whole tasting that presents like this, so whilst it certainly has personality, does it have ‘Gevrey-ness?’ I like it anyway!
2010 Emilie Geantet, Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru Cherbaudes
High toned aromas. In the mouth there is intensity and good texture. Quite linear – this is narrower in the mid-palate than many, but the length is fine.
High toned aromas. In the mouth there is intensity and good texture. Quite linear – this is narrower in the mid-palate than many, but the length is fine.
2010 Pierre Gelin, Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru Clos Prieur
High-tones blend with a mineral depth – quite eye (nose!) catching. The entry is narrow but the flavours quickly widen in tandem with the acidity. This is an interesting and classy wine – very good.
High-tones blend with a mineral depth – quite eye (nose!) catching. The entry is narrow but the flavours quickly widen in tandem with the acidity. This is an interesting and classy wine – very good.
2010 Emilie Geantet, Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru La Perrière
The nose gives a hint of almond – I’m not a fan of that, but it is just part of a round, generally compelling impression. Fresh and intense with understated but supporting tannin. This is long too – Yum!
The nose gives a hint of almond – I’m not a fan of that, but it is just part of a round, generally compelling impression. Fresh and intense with understated but supporting tannin. This is long too – Yum!
2010 Geantet-Pansiot, Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru Poissenots
Depth and width, partly mineral too with flashes of red fruit – this is very inviting! This starts a little soft, but all the parts quietly impress – long and interesting. This is very good.
Depth and width, partly mineral too with flashes of red fruit – this is very inviting! This starts a little soft, but all the parts quietly impress – long and interesting. This is very good.
2010 Heresztyn, Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru Le Corbeaux
Nice pure black fruit aromas underpinned with a little musk and perhaps some stems too. Concentrated, velvet textured and understated but good acidity. A few bitter components – wood probably – in the finish. Excellent.
Nice pure black fruit aromas underpinned with a little musk and perhaps some stems too. Concentrated, velvet textured and understated but good acidity. A few bitter components – wood probably – in the finish. Excellent.
2010 Jean-Michel Guillon, Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru La Petite Chapelle
There are aromas of herbs, high tones and some dried dark fruits. Sweetness and silky texture are slowly joined by a growing acidity. This is rather good.
There are aromas of herbs, high tones and some dried dark fruits. Sweetness and silky texture are slowly joined by a growing acidity. This is rather good.
2010 Harmand-Geoffroy, Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru La Perrière
High tones plus dark fruit – detailed and precise. Some minerality, slowly growing intensity of flavour. Understated structure but good acidity. I like this a lot – possibly excellent.
High tones plus dark fruit – detailed and precise. Some minerality, slowly growing intensity of flavour. Understated structure but good acidity. I like this a lot – possibly excellent.
2010 Heresztyn, Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru Champonnets
Aromatic depth, some width too with hints of stems – not too forward though. Some minerality, precise flavours with an intensity that grows and grows. Excellent.
Aromatic depth, some width too with hints of stems – not too forward though. Some minerality, precise flavours with an intensity that grows and grows. Excellent.
2010 Marchand-Grillot, Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru La Perrière
The nose has a little of the stems and a cushioned depth. Right from the start the flavour is intense and of high-toned fruit. Then even more intensity of very bright fruit. Rather individual, but super concentration – I’d put a couple in the cellar…
The nose has a little of the stems and a cushioned depth. Right from the start the flavour is intense and of high-toned fruit. Then even more intensity of very bright fruit. Rather individual, but super concentration – I’d put a couple in the cellar…
2010 Humbert Frères, Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru Poissenot
Plenty of dark, toasty oak. In the mouth, sweet round and concentrated – I love the flavour intensity and the clean dark fruit notes. There’s too much oak on the nose at this age, but in two years…
Plenty of dark, toasty oak. In the mouth, sweet round and concentrated – I love the flavour intensity and the clean dark fruit notes. There’s too much oak on the nose at this age, but in two years…
2010 Denis Mortet, Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru Champeaux
Not so wide as the Humbert, but very good aromatic depth. Sweet and showing beautifully balanced intensity. There’s good structure and a faint grab to the tannin. Understated with a very pretty length. High class.
Not so wide as the Humbert, but very good aromatic depth. Sweet and showing beautifully balanced intensity. There’s good structure and a faint grab to the tannin. Understated with a very pretty length. High class.
2010 Denis Mortet, Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Lavaux St.Jacques
The nose has high tones and despite seeming a little diffuse is quite engaging. Good intensity here – it’s very wide too – super shape to this wine. Very long. Despite the nose, excellent.
The nose has high tones and despite seeming a little diffuse is quite engaging. Good intensity here – it’s very wide too – super shape to this wine. Very long. Despite the nose, excellent.
2010 Philippe Naddef, Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru Les Champeaux
The nose seems cushioned and has plenty of dimension – almost a hint of 09 in character. Decent acidity, but what an impressive peak of flavour in the mid-palate. Very good wine.
The nose seems cushioned and has plenty of dimension – almost a hint of 09 in character. Decent acidity, but what an impressive peak of flavour in the mid-palate. Very good wine.
2010 Thierry Mortet, Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru Clos Prieur
The nose is wide with a few herbs. High toned fruit in the mouth. Lots of intensity though just a little austere today.
The nose is wide with a few herbs. High toned fruit in the mouth. Lots of intensity though just a little austere today.
2010 Philippe Rossignol, Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru Les Corbeaux
Deep and interesting with high and low tones of well defined fruit. In the mouth this is just a little tart, yet it’s impressively intense. Good but not great.
Deep and interesting with high and low tones of well defined fruit. In the mouth this is just a little tart, yet it’s impressively intense. Good but not great.
2010 Philippe Naddef, Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru Cazetiers
Cushioned, slightly sweeter dark fruit on the nose – impresses. This wine is just the right side of austere; very good acidity helps very good width. The flavour expanding in the mid-palate with an added mineral aspect. This is very good indeed – perhaps excellent.
Cushioned, slightly sweeter dark fruit on the nose – impresses. This wine is just the right side of austere; very good acidity helps very good width. The flavour expanding in the mid-palate with an added mineral aspect. This is very good indeed – perhaps excellent.
2010 Armand Rousseau, Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru Clos St.Jacques
Some flowers, this is a very pretty if quite understated nose. In the mouth this is less sweet than some but shows excellent intensity. Fresh, with more dimension of flavour in the mid-palate and very good length too. Excellent, but not head and shoulders above a number of these.
Some flowers, this is a very pretty if quite understated nose. In the mouth this is less sweet than some but shows excellent intensity. Fresh, with more dimension of flavour in the mid-palate and very good length too. Excellent, but not head and shoulders above a number of these.
2010 Philippe Rossignol, Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru Estournelles St.Jacques
After the Rousseau there’s an added floral dimension with a good, if not deep mineral note. Some sweetness, lots of intensity, very good acidity and a quickly narrowing but good finish. Very good.
After the Rousseau there’s an added floral dimension with a good, if not deep mineral note. Some sweetness, lots of intensity, very good acidity and a quickly narrowing but good finish. Very good.
2010 Taupenot-Merme, Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru Bel Air
The nose is a little tight – there’s a core of dark fruit though and similarly dark oak. Sweeter than the last wines, balanced acidity and faintly grained tannin. There’s an excellent follow through into the finish. Almost very good.
The nose is a little tight – there’s a core of dark fruit though and similarly dark oak. Sweeter than the last wines, balanced acidity and faintly grained tannin. There’s an excellent follow through into the finish. Almost very good.
2010 Tortochot, Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru Lavaux St.Jacques
A cushioned sweet nose that reminds me of 2009s. It has a soft entry with plenty of understated tannin – a little oak too. The intensity is good, as is the length. It’s hard not to like this wine, and it’s so much better than their villages sample!
A cushioned sweet nose that reminds me of 2009s. It has a soft entry with plenty of understated tannin – a little oak too. The intensity is good, as is the length. It’s hard not to like this wine, and it’s so much better than their villages sample!
The Grand Crus
The market is the market – there were 27 grand crus on the table – in today’s money, that’s probably 5-6,000 Euros if you wanted each bottle in you cellar – silly isn’t it(?) It’s easy to be swayed by a label, particularly if that label might cost you €300+; so as much as possible I just poured the wine, made the tasting note, and only then noted the name – only the label of Rousseau’s Chambertin was too individual to foil that plan…
Like the step-up from villages to premier cru, here again is a slight extra emphasis of sweetness from the fruit, probably more to do with concentration that actual ripeness, but I suspect both are involved. A number of wines show some austerity but in a young grand cru I don’t think that’s a bad thing. Some wines showed a little too much oak for my personal taste, but what’s ‘too much’ when the wines are 5-6 months from being bottled(?)
Overall, whether villages premier or grand cru, the shape if the 2010 is showcased by these wines; excellent acidity – rarely too much – supple tannins and excellent concentration and flavour intensity. Classic and covetable.
2010 Geantet-Pansiot, Charmes-Chambertin
The nose is wide and gives the impression of being textured – not particularly deep. Fresh and pretty yet certainly well-endowed. A soft style but I like the finish.
The nose is wide and gives the impression of being textured – not particularly deep. Fresh and pretty yet certainly well-endowed. A soft style but I like the finish.
2010 René Bouvier, Charmes-Chambertin
A deep and creamy nose of dark red fruit, again ‘textured’. Sweet fruit, decent structure and very good acidity – this impresses – there is intensity and just a hint of austerity despite only medium tannins. Good wine.
A deep and creamy nose of dark red fruit, again ‘textured’. Sweet fruit, decent structure and very good acidity – this impresses – there is intensity and just a hint of austerity despite only medium tannins. Good wine.
2010 Castagnier, Charmes-Chambertin
I like the width and complexity of the aromas. Round and mouth-filling, then the flavours expand into the mid-palate to deliver a wave of acid-led flavours. Lovely.
I like the width and complexity of the aromas. Round and mouth-filling, then the flavours expand into the mid-palate to deliver a wave of acid-led flavours. Lovely.
2010 Philippe Charlopin, Charmes-Chambertin
High-tones and plenty of interest here, subtle oak too. Sweet fruit and a lovely acid balance. Excellent intensity – super.
High-tones and plenty of interest here, subtle oak too. Sweet fruit and a lovely acid balance. Excellent intensity – super.
2010 Laroze de Drouhin, Mazoyères-Chambertin
Precise and pretty notes; rather high-toned but not quite volatile. Sweet but with decent structure below. The acidity is well-judged and helps leach flavour from your teeth – very good.
Precise and pretty notes; rather high-toned but not quite volatile. Sweet but with decent structure below. The acidity is well-judged and helps leach flavour from your teeth – very good.
2010 Humbert Frères, Charmes-Chambertin
Lots of dark oak aromas, not too toasty but overwhelming anyway. Sweet, the tannins have some aspects of oak, but there’s good length. If the last months of elevage soak up some of this oak, there’s still a good wine beneath.
Lots of dark oak aromas, not too toasty but overwhelming anyway. Sweet, the tannins have some aspects of oak, but there’s good length. If the last months of elevage soak up some of this oak, there’s still a good wine beneath.
2010 Pierre Damoy, Chapelle-Chambertin
Subtly wide, slightly cushioned, slowly growing in depth – the nose is quite an introduction! Wide, not too sweet and with a good base of structure and acidity. Long too – excellent.
Subtly wide, slightly cushioned, slowly growing in depth – the nose is quite an introduction! Wide, not too sweet and with a good base of structure and acidity. Long too – excellent.
2010 Terpenot-Merme, Mazoyères-Chambertin
A really pretty aroma of violets lifts from the glass. Cushioned with velvet texture – lovely fruit – very good.
A really pretty aroma of violets lifts from the glass. Cushioned with velvet texture – lovely fruit – very good.
2010 Rossignol-Trapet, Chapelle-Chambertin
Very high-toned notes dovetailed with oak. Wide, structured and a little austere but with excellent mid-palate density – dark in character, but compelling.
Very high-toned notes dovetailed with oak. Wide, structured and a little austere but with excellent mid-palate density – dark in character, but compelling.
2010 Philippe Livera, Chapelle-Chambertin
Dark aromas – plenty of oaky in the mix. Sweet, the structure is relatively understated, it seems to be partly obscured by the oak. Still, the potential is there for good wine.
Dark aromas – plenty of oaky in the mix. Sweet, the structure is relatively understated, it seems to be partly obscured by the oak. Still, the potential is there for good wine.
2010 Cécile Tremblay, Chapelle-Chambertin
Both deep and high-toned fruit plus a not to gothic stem component. Very fine structure swirls with pretty, though slightly stemmy, fruit. The flavour slowly oozes from the gaps in your teeth – yum!
Both deep and high-toned fruit plus a not to gothic stem component. Very fine structure swirls with pretty, though slightly stemmy, fruit. The flavour slowly oozes from the gaps in your teeth – yum!
2010 Duroché, Latricières-Chambertin
There’s a good depth of aroma, topped with some herbs – very pretty. In the mouth there are also herbs and some austerity to the structure too. Tasty in the finish though…
There’s a good depth of aroma, topped with some herbs – very pretty. In the mouth there are also herbs and some austerity to the structure too. Tasty in the finish though…
2010 Marchand-Grillot, Ruchottes-Chambertin
The nose has both depth and width with clear stem character. Sweet in the mouth with largely understated tannin – very good acidity though and flavours that slowly grow in intensity. A lovely intense finsh. Very good.
The nose has both depth and width with clear stem character. Sweet in the mouth with largely understated tannin – very good acidity though and flavours that slowly grow in intensity. A lovely intense finsh. Very good.
2010 Harmand-Geoffroy, Mazis-Chambertin
Hmm – this smells good – there’s real depth. Round and a little sweeter than the Marchand-Grillot Ruchottes. There is a base of very well packaged structure. Excellent!
Hmm – this smells good – there’s real depth. Round and a little sweeter than the Marchand-Grillot Ruchottes. There is a base of very well packaged structure. Excellent!
2010 Tortochot, Mazis-Chambertin
Whilst the nose is quite understated, there is a very good width of aroma. The palate has some sweetness and plenty of cushioning texture to the structure. There’s a little dark oak flavour. Understated length, just like the wine. Discretely good.
Whilst the nose is quite understated, there is a very good width of aroma. The palate has some sweetness and plenty of cushioning texture to the structure. There’s a little dark oak flavour. Understated length, just like the wine. Discretely good.
2010 Philippe Charlopin, Mazis-Chambertin
The nose has a little reduction but not so much that some nice floral notes cannot escape the glass. Round and sweet but the flavours have a bit too much oak about them today, however, there’s very good length of flavour.
The nose has a little reduction but not so much that some nice floral notes cannot escape the glass. Round and sweet but the flavours have a bit too much oak about them today, however, there’s very good length of flavour.
2010 Jean-Michel Guillon, Mazis-Chambertin
The nose is clean and direct, hints of toffee in there I think. Here there is no cushioning texture, simply a very impressive intensity of flavour that flows long into the finish – a lithe and muscular wine. To my mind an excellent Mazis.
The nose is clean and direct, hints of toffee in there I think. Here there is no cushioning texture, simply a very impressive intensity of flavour that flows long into the finish – a lithe and muscular wine. To my mind an excellent Mazis.
2010 Duroché, Clos de Bèze
Dark red fruit notes are very pretty. Fine texture, very good expansion of flavour in the mid-palate. Very good wine, but behind other Bèze in this series.
Dark red fruit notes are very pretty. Fine texture, very good expansion of flavour in the mid-palate. Very good wine, but behind other Bèze in this series.
2010 Pierre Damoy, Clos de Bèze
The nose is deep yet a little tight. Plenty of tannin – by far the most so far – just a little astringency too, but putting that to one side, to concentrate on the flavours – wow, excellent! Just give it the time you know Cos de Bèze needs.
The nose is deep yet a little tight. Plenty of tannin – by far the most so far – just a little astringency too, but putting that to one side, to concentrate on the flavours – wow, excellent! Just give it the time you know Cos de Bèze needs.
2010 Drouhin-Laroze, Clos de Bèze
Flowers and dark fruit, yet the nose is a little tight. Austere and a little tart in the mouth. Plenty of structure, this is a wine that’s long and intense but clearly ‘difficult’ today. A Bèze that needs time – again.
Flowers and dark fruit, yet the nose is a little tight. Austere and a little tart in the mouth. Plenty of structure, this is a wine that’s long and intense but clearly ‘difficult’ today. A Bèze that needs time – again.
2010 Pierre Gelin, Clos de Bèze
High toned aromas – perhaps a little volatile(?) Slightly grainy texture to the tannin, plenty of tannin. There’s a very good burst of flavour in the mid-palate. I think an excellent wine but perhaps only ‘good+’ for a Bèze.
High toned aromas – perhaps a little volatile(?) Slightly grainy texture to the tannin, plenty of tannin. There’s a very good burst of flavour in the mid-palate. I think an excellent wine but perhaps only ‘good+’ for a Bèze.
2010 Armand Rousseau, Clos de Bèze
The nose offers herbs over a dark, almost textured, base – nice. Sweet, with plenty of tannin that shows a hint of ‘grab’. There’s a burst of flavour in the mid-palate followed by a very, very long finish. Will be excellent.
The nose offers herbs over a dark, almost textured, base – nice. Sweet, with plenty of tannin that shows a hint of ‘grab’. There’s a burst of flavour in the mid-palate followed by a very, very long finish. Will be excellent.
2010 Château de Marsannay, Chambertin
Deep, concentrated fruit aromas – some flowers too. In the mouth this is wide and a little mineral – just a little astringent but the mid-palate flavour is really intense. This is rather good.
Deep, concentrated fruit aromas – some flowers too. In the mouth this is wide and a little mineral – just a little astringent but the mid-palate flavour is really intense. This is rather good.
2010 Rossignol-Trapet, Chambertin
The nose is deep and interesting, but today rather too oaky. More structure than flavour to start with but the flavour, whilst remaining in the background, does slowly grow. Overall this is a bit austere; it’s interesting but far from compelling today – it really needs time.
The nose is deep and interesting, but today rather too oaky. More structure than flavour to start with but the flavour, whilst remaining in the background, does slowly grow. Overall this is a bit austere; it’s interesting but far from compelling today – it really needs time.
2010 Trapet, Chambertin
The nose is far from effusive, but it’s quietly complex and wide. This is another austere wine; structure and astringency but the flavour does come through eventually – and very good flavour it is. I think there’s lots of potential here, but again a wine that will need time.
The nose is far from effusive, but it’s quietly complex and wide. This is another austere wine; structure and astringency but the flavour does come through eventually – and very good flavour it is. I think there’s lots of potential here, but again a wine that will need time.
2010 Damoy, Chambertin
Wide, deep and dark aromas, hints of herbs too. In the mouth this is full and round, it also has plenty of tannin. There’s some austerity but again there’s lovely mid-palate flavour and in this case quite some minerality too. Very, very good.
Wide, deep and dark aromas, hints of herbs too. In the mouth this is full and round, it also has plenty of tannin. There’s some austerity but again there’s lovely mid-palate flavour and in this case quite some minerality too. Very, very good.
2010 Armand Rousseau, Chambertin
Aromas are tight here but understatedly impressive and almost textured. Full in the mouth, there’s plenty of structure too but it’s relatively understated compared to many, probably because the tannin is a little less astringent than other wines. Not particularly complex versus the other Chambertins, but the length is a little special. Excellent – what did you expect 😉
Aromas are tight here but understatedly impressive and almost textured. Full in the mouth, there’s plenty of structure too but it’s relatively understated compared to many, probably because the tannin is a little less astringent than other wines. Not particularly complex versus the other Chambertins, but the length is a little special. Excellent – what did you expect 😉
There are 5 responses to “Syndicat de Gevrey-Chambertin: Roi Chambertin 2010”
Merci pour tes notes passionantes et méticuleuses Bill. Je les mets en lien sur mon site avec les miennes publiées ici en français:
http://www.degustateurs.net/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=19572&PN=1
Quelques petites divergences…mais dans l’ensemble nous avons bien dégusté les mêmes vins!
Amitiés,
Patrick Essa
Merci Patrick
Différentes personnes = petites divergences, c’est normale 😉
Mais j’ai l’impression, pas beaucoup…
Cheers et à la prochaine!
Bill
Cher ami,
J’ai enfin pris le temps de lire à fond tes notes. Forcéemnt, comme le dit notre “taster in arms” (j’adore l’expression !) Pat Essa, il y a des divergences. Notre palais est certes objectif, mais fait toujours référence à un passé, à une architecture personnelle. Excellent travail, tu as tout mon respect et espère te revoir pour les grands Jours ici en Burgondie.
Gourmandes salutations.
Patrick MACLART.
Thanks for the report Bill. I have a question regarding the Mazis from Guillon: were it enjoyable right there and then, or should I read your note as one of potential? 100% oak and all that…
Kind regards
Claes
Hi Claes
I would say both – I don’t recall any overt oak that would persuade me not to try (some of) these on release.
Hope this helps
Bill
Yes it did, thank you. I’ll add an extra bottle to my order.
Claes
That Mazis was very, very nice! Rather big in style, and nothing I would want to drink too often (that’s not gonna be a problem anyhow), but it sure was delicious!
Thank you!