Gevrey-Chambertin is the largest commune in the Cote de Nuits and has 9 grand crus and 26 premier crus in addition to the village level vineyards. The soil of Gevrey is composed of Comblanchien limestone and Bajocian marl (primarily clay). Classic Gevrey is characterized by a full, sturdy, rich and earthy style. Undoubtedly, the finest premier cru in Gevrey is Clos St-Jacques (6.7ha). Many would argue that it should be elevated to grand cru status; a similar argument has been made for Chambolle-Musigny’s Les Amoureuses or Vosne-Romanee’s Cros Parantoux.
There are only 5 owners of Clos St-Jacques:
• Armand Rousseau
• Louis Jadot
• Michel Esmonin
• Bruno Clair
• Jean-Claude Fourrier
Rousseau is the finest producer of Clos St-Jacques and as testament to his belief in the power of this wine, Rousseau serves the Clos St-Jacques after four other grand crus - Mazis, Ruchottes, Charmes, and Clos de la Roche - and just before the Chambertin and Clos de Beze. From this vineyard, there are also negociant bottlings, but they don’t compare to the Domaines above.
A fine Clos St-Jacques is the quintessential example of breed, power, finesse, and classic Gevrey earth. I am constantly on the lookout for my favorites of Rousseau Clos St-Jacques from the 1993, 1999, 2001, and 2002 vintages. These represent all that is classic Gevrey and all that is Burgundy.
Vinfolio has the following wines from Clos St-Jacques currently in stock:
2006 Bruno Clair - Gevrey Chambertin Clos St-Jacques 1er Cru (BH 91-93) $159
2004 Dominique Laurent - Gevrey Chambertin Clos St-Jacques 1er Cru (WS 92) $75
1983 Maison Leroy - Gevrey Chambertin Clos St-Jacques 1er Cru (BH 88) $149
