2019 Joseph Drouhin, Chambertin-Clos de Beze Grand Cru

The 2019 Chambertin-Clos de Bèze Grand Cru is promising, bursting from the glass with aromas of wild berries, coniferous forest floor, sweet spices, orange oil and peonies. Full-bodied, velvety and enveloping, it's a sumptuous, gourmand Clos de Bèze, framed by velvety tannins and lively acids.

The 2019 Chambertin Clos-de-Bèze Grand Cru contains around 30% whole cluster and is vinified in 500-liter barrels instead of open-top fermenters. It is very aromatic on the nose, presenting strong floral/peony aromas and touches of oyster shell and sea cave. The palate is well balanced with supple tannins and a slightly brutish finish compared to the Clos Vougeot.

Mix of domaine and non-domaine fruit is fermented in oak. Over 40% whole bunch. Delicate extraction. Final blend in tank, to be bottled by mid February 2021. Very sweet, red-cherry nose and gorgeous sweet palate entry. Such a charmer! Almost irresistible. Vibrates on the palate on the sweet rather than majestic side but there is excellent freshness too. I may drink up the rest tonight! It may seem strange to suggest that a Chambertin-Clos de Bèze might be drinkable at only six years old but this is such a charmer... (JR)