2011 Gevrey Chambertin 1er Cru

The 2011 Gevrey-Chambertin, the domaine's Ruchottes young-vines bottling, is another of the 2011s here that has closed down a bit in bottle. Gentle floral and spice notes emerge, but only reluctantly in a layered, perfumed Burgundy that needs time in bottle.

The final 2011 Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru from the younger re-planted vines in Ruchottes-Chambertin constitutes the final release before the vines are promoted back into the grand cru. It has an elegant bouquet with bright Morello cherry, wild strawberry and citrus aromas that show great clarity – complex enough to suggest grand cru promotion. The palate is medium-bodied with fine, quite succulent and fleshy tannins. This is beautifully balanced with a fleshy candied finish with subtle peppery notes lingering on the aftertaste. Wonderful. Drink 2016-2028. Having been bowled over by the sublime 2012s, the Marie-Christine took me through the domaine’s 2011s, which provided a useful opportunity to compare the two vintages, in particular with respect to the Ruchottes-Chambertin. Importer: several importers including Michael Skurnik and North Berkeley (US) and Lea & Sandeman, Howard Ripley and Lay & Wheeler (UK).

Bright, pale red. Aromas of plum, cedar, mocha and smoke. Supple and fairly suave, with a plum flavor lifted by sandalwood. Finishes with smoky minerality, a saline nuance and dusty tannins. Very Gevrey.