Gevrey-Chambertin

Gevrey-Chambertin begins the Cote d'Or's procession of the world's finest vineyard land. Years ago, the village of Gevrey, like many of its counterparts throughout the Cote d'Or, took the name of its most famous vineyard: Les Champs de Bertin (the fields of Bertin). Its history cannot be underestimated. Its first mention in the annals of history dates to the 7th century when its vineyards were offered as a gift to the monks of the Abbey de Beze. It appears continually since then, and was considered the favorite wine of the Emperor Napolean Bonaparte. There are nine Grand Crus of Gevrey-Chambertin, in addition to its over twenty-six Premier Crus and countless other terroirs of fine quality. When vineyard hierarchy was first considered, it was determined that only vineyards that touched the village's namesake, le Chambertin, could be considered for Grand Cru status. Each of these vineyards, such as Chapelle-Chambertin, Latricieres Chambertin and Mazis-Chambertin, affixed the historic name to theirs, so consummating forever their position of merit. One remaining vineyard, Clos Saint-Jacques, did not touch Le Chambertin but was the equal in quality of many of the Grand Crus. It became a Premier Cru, indeed one of the most extraordinary Premier Crus in all of Burgundy. Located north and just west of the Grand Crus on its own slope with similar height, aspect and soil, some of its nearest neighbors followed the Grand Crus by associating themselves with this the fabulous Clos Saint-Jacques. Hence, we have Lavaux Saint-Jacques and Estournelles-Saint-Jacques, very fine vineyards in their own right. The valley from which they rise, the Combe de Lavaux, is home to a handful of other high-quality vineyards as well. Merely a decade ago, Gevrey-Chambertin was frequently highlighted as an underachieving village whose cost often exceeded its pleasure. This has changed in recent years as Gevrey-Chambertin is now home to some of Burgundy's finest young producers, who are, in many cases, young, committed vignerons who have taken over for disinterested elders. Now the quality is at an all-time high. Gevrey-Chambertin is frequently thought of as the "King of Burgundy" "a fitting description" as its wines have unquestionable concentration and strength while maintaining their regal Pinot character. Gevery-Chambertin tends toward darker fruits and power, with tannins that are more sophisticated than wines of other villages which at times sacrifice grace when achieving extraction. Styles do vary - some favoring black fruits and gamey qualities and others favoring purer, redder fruits and more subtlety. In either case, Gevrey-Chambertin is arguably the finest example of the surprising intensity that Pinot Noir can achieve in the most special terroirs.