2016 Charmes Chambertin
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Tasting notes
The 2016 Charmes-Chambertin Grand Cru has a tightly wound but winsome bouquet with perfumed, floral aromas: red cherries, crushed strawberry, rose petal and hints of tomato vine. I would have liked a little more energy and conviction but that clearly develops with time. The palate is medium-bodied with a charming, quite sweet entry. The tannins jut out initially but with aeration it coalesces beautifully. I must admit that I found this difficult to read at first. Only after 15 minutes in the glass the wine showed its true colours. Tasted blind at the 2016 Burgfest tasting.
Critic scores
Average Score
Neal Martin
The Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
Juicy and charming indeed. Not quite as much depth as I was hoping for but perhaps I am being unfair. Fine. Just not thrilling. (JR)
The 2016 Charmes-Chambertin Grand Cru, of which there are six and a half barrels this year (two new), has a very pure bouquet with ebullient red fruit that is reminiscent of Denis Bachelet’s Charmes-Chambertin (yes, that good!). The palate is very well balanced with a soft and sensual opening, although for me it does not quite deliver the same complexity as the finest of Pierre Duroché’s premier crus. Perhaps that will develop during the remainder of the barrel maturation? One to watch.
About the producer
Domaine Duroché has, under Pierre Duroché, become one of the most sought-out and respected wine domaines in Gevrey-Chambertin. The wines are delicate and detailed, yet with old-vine intensity, a clear sense of place and style – and it’s easy to see why they’ve rapidly become so in-demand.