2018 Gevrey Chambertin Clos St Jacques
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Tasting notes
Very popular producer in the good-value appellation of Marsannay. Bruno’s sons Edouard and Arthur have been taking over. They own a great array of different climats but this is one of the finest , regarded as a grand cru in all but name with only five owners, all with east–west strips of vines from top to bottom of the vineyard (Rousseau, Fourrier, Jadot, Bruno Clair and, with her cellar next door, Sylvie Esmonin). Bruno Clair has 1 ha (Rousseau 2.2 ha). 2018 was a flattering vintage, not especially concentrated. Mid to pale garnet. Sumptuous nose that draws you in. Combination of sweetness and vivacity on palate entry. Really rich and beguiling already. Fruit almost dominates tannin. Long and rich on the finish. Very hedonistic. Pure, long and with strong impact. There's a firm finish that suggests it has quite a life ahead of it. (JR)
Critic scores
Average Score
Jancis Robinson MW
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
The 2018 Gevrey-Chambertin Clos Saint-Jacques 1er Cru has a well-defined bouquet. Dark cherries mingle with iodine and light pressed flower aromas, just a touch of graphite underneath. This will need time to knit together. The palate is medium-bodied with a concentrated opening, layers of black cherry and bilberry fruit with a fair lacquer of new oak. Fine balance, a pinch of cracked black pepper and thyme emerge towards the finish. This has a long aftertaste but it will clearly need time. Tasted blind at the Burgfest 2018 red tasting.
The 2018 Gevrey-Chambertin Clos Saint-Jacques 1er Cru is beautifully defined on the nose, although it does demand coaxing: brambly red fruit, sous-bois , dried rose petals and a touch of cigar box. The palate is framed by crisp tannins. This feels so fresh and crunchy in texture. Very good depth, tangy sour cherries mixed with orange rind on the long and tender finish. This is an superb Clos Saint-Jacques.