Leading figure of Burgundy, the Chambertin-Clos de Bèze Grand Cru 2018 from Joseph Drouhin celebrates the alchemy of a legendary terroir and patient know-how. Located in the northern Côte de Nuits, Clos de Bèze is a sanctuary for Pinot Noir, where the vines draw a singular mineral energy from clay-limestone soils with stones, scree and reddish clays. The sunny, controlled 2018 vintage delivers harmonious ripeness without compromising finesse. From biodynamic viticulture that respects living balances, this Grand Cru stands out with an intense purple robe and a perfectly balanced aromatic profile that evokes both floral grace and spicy depth. The Drouhin signature, marked by precision and restraint, sculpts a generous texture, velvety-grained tannins and a finish that lingers like a caress, leaving the imprint of a truly great age-worthy wine.

Blend and vinification

Made entirely from Pinot Noir, this Grand Cru is vinified with the meticulous care of a house that prioritises pure expression of place. Biodynamic viticulture promotes healthy, concentrated grapes harvested at ideal maturity. Fermentation, gently conducted, reveals the flesh of the fruit while preserving aromatic freshness. The 16 to 20 months in oak barrels, with about 30% new wood, brings structure, depth and a subtle wood frame that never dominates. Over the months, oxygen shapes the texture, the oak integrates, spices weave with floral nuances, and the minerality asserts itself. The result is a balanced wine, both ample and taut, where structure never masks the grape's delicacy. Every action, from sorting to final blending, is guided by the pursuit of patient harmony, ensuring a cellaring potential of 15 to 25 years.

Tasting notes

• Appearance: Deep purple with bright garnet highlights, bordered by a slow tear that reveals fine concentration. The visual brilliance promises contained density and complexity that will unfold with aeration.
• Nose: Generous expression of small red fruits and black cherry, lifted by delicate rose, bitter chocolate and a touch of licorice. With air, noble undergrowth notes, soft spices and a chalky minerality emerge, adding a vibrant counterpoint. The bouquet evolves gracefully, gaining depth and nuance.
• Palate: Clean, precise attack; a broad, structured mid-palate supported by rounded tannins with a fine grain. The sap of Pinot Noir expresses itself with uprightness, between pulpy black fruits, rose petals and a remarkably precise spicy thread. The finish is supple and long, unrolling a saline halo and a freshness that marks superb balance.

Serving temperature and advice

Serve this Grand Cru between 16 and 18°C in large glasses that favour oxygenation. Decanting for 30 to 60 minutes will allow the bouquet to open and refine. Store bottles on their side, away from light, in a cool, stable cellar. The wine offers a magnificent 15 to 25 years of ageing potential, gaining tertiary complexity with notes of truffle, noble humus and deeper spices.

Food pairings

• Fine charcuterie: parsleyed ham, artisanal coppa, country terrine with herbs.
• Starters: perfect egg with morels, pâté en croûte, hand-cut beef tartare.
• Main courses: roasted côte de bœuf (rib steak), roasted young duck with mild spices, wild mushroom risotto.
• Cheeses: aged Comté, Époisses, mature mountain tomme.
• Vegetable inspiration: sautéed porcini, roasted root vegetables, creamy polenta with sage.

Moments to enjoy

The Chambertin-Clos de Bèze Grand Cru 2018 suits the moments that matter, where the table becomes a theatre of the senses and conversation an art. It complements celebrations as well as intimate dinners, and is perfect for enthusiasts exploring verticals and comparisons of climats.

• For a high-end gastronomic table where precise service highlights every nuance.
• As an exceptional gift for a connoisseur attentive to Burgundy terroirs.
• At a themed tasting focused on the Grands Crus of the Côte de Nuits.

Details

• Name : Chambertin-Clos de Bèze Grand Cru 2018, Joseph Drouhin
• Appellation : AOC Chambertin-Clos de Bèze Grand Cru, Bourgogne
• Type : Red wine
• Vintage : 2018
• Grape : Pinot Noir (100%)
• Culture : Biodynamic viticulture
• Aging : 16 to 20 months in oak barrels, about 30% new
• Soils : Clay-limestone with stones, scree and reddish clays
• Cellaring : 15 to 25 years depending on storage conditions
• Serving temperature : 16–18°C