2012 Charmes Chambertin

The 2012 Charmes-Chambertin Grand Cru comes from a 0.30-hectare parcel just below Chambertin, adjacent to Griotte that was planted way back in 1910. It has a very attractive, pure bouquet with fine definition and purity, that is utterly “charming”. The palate is medium-bodied with toasty black cherries and a touch of balsamic on the entry. Then it builds to quite a precocious blueberry and fig-tinged finish that is well defined and showy. This is an unashamedly extravagant Charmes-Chambertin that should drink well for the next 10 years. I made a brief visit to this domaine, just down the road from Joseph Roty in Gevrey-Chambertin. The domaine was founded by Dominique Gallois’s great-grandfather, but the wines were sold to negoce up until he took over from his father, Jean. It is a small collection of holdings that cover around 4-hectares that are farmed lutte raisonee. These are well-crafted expressions of their respective climats, with judicious use of oak, dependable and trustworthy wines that have the substance to age well. They do not possess the profound complexity of the appellation’s top producers, but they are still worth seeking out. Importers: various importers including Frederick Wildman (NY), The Wine House (CA), Country Vintners (VI), Boston Wine Company (MA) A. Bommarito Wines (MO) and Fine Wines (IL). Also available through Liberty Wines in the UK.