2012 Gevrey Chambertin Les Cazetiers

Tasted blind at the annual "Burgfest" tasting in Beaune. The 2012 Gevrey Chambertin 1er Cru Les Cazetiers from Bruno Clair seems a little over-extracted and excessively sweet on the nose and consequently it lacks the delineation of Serafin's or Faiveley's Cazetiers. The palate is medium-bodied with chewy tannin, a little rustic towards the finish which needs more finesse. This feels a little flat-footed at the moment - at an awkward stage perhaps? I'll reserve a score for later.

Dark fruited but softened by a slight creaminess. Generous, firm, very smooth but the tannins are dry. A little severe on the finish, for now at least. (JH)

Palish red. Very ripe aromas of raspberry and strawberry complicated by a hint of gibier and a note of sexy woodsmoke. Big, broad and sweet; quite rich and creamy for a Bruno Clair wine, but then this cuvee often has a relatively high pH (3.6 in this case). Complex notes of spices, licorice, chocolate, violet and earth are given shape by decent acidity and broad, serious, ripe tannins. Should make a major mouthful of wine.