Chambertin Clos de Bèze, Louis Jadot 2019

The 2019 Chambertin Clos de Bèze Grand Cru (Domaine Louis Jadot) is extremely promising, unfurling in the glass with aromas of rich, plummy fruit mingled with orange rind, exotic spices, raw cocoa and espresso roast. Full-bodied, layered and velvety, it's muscular and concentrated, with lively acids and a long, penetrating finish.

Deep, dark and mysterious, this is a full-bodied but almost perfectly proportioned red Burgundy. So much forest-berry character with delicate bitter chocolate. Densely concentrated and structured, the overall impression is one of imposing stature, but there’s nothing monumental about this wine. Very firm at the finish now, but this has been built for the long aging. Drinkable now, but best from 2024.

Interestingly, this is aromatically quite similar to the Chapelle though as is usually the case, it's even spicier. The exceptionally rich big-bodied flavors possess outstanding mid-palate volume and concentration thanks to the abundant dry extract that coats the palate and does a fine job of buffering the very dense but fine-grained tannins on the powerful and strikingly long finish. This is a knockout but be prepared to be patient if you wish to experience this potential gem at its peak.

Intense deep red colour, the nose is less immediate, but the fruit shows a succulent mouthful of very ripe fruit, on the edge of excess. A little bit of alcohol showing. The upper sector of their holding is the same planting as the Chapelle-Chambertin, but without hitting the same astonishing heights this year. Tasted: October 2020