Charmes Chambertin, Thibault Liger Belair 2012

Generous wood frames very ripe red and blue pinot liqueur-like aromas that carry a whiff of menthol. There is impressive richness, size, weight and power to the suave medium-bodied flavors that possess good density but only average persistence on the noticeably warm finish. This is quite awkward today, not only from the wood but also the warmth and while this may harmonize I have my doubts.

The 2012 Charmes-Chambertin Grand Cru comes from a parcel located next to the road that suffered a lot of oidium in this vintage and it was harvested at?drumroll please?17% alcohol! Thibault refrained using whole cluster and so the fruit was destemmed by hand and for the first time it is matured in 100% new oak that was specially selected by Thibault in the forest. What is unusual is that the barrel is made after the fermentation to marry with the wine. Thibault also let the wine evaporate during fermentation and reduced it to 15.5%. The nose does seem balanced and disguises the alcohol level well. The palate is rich and sumptuous, very gourmand with layers of sweet truffle-tinged fruit. The oak makes it presence felt on the chocolate-tinged finish. It will be intriguing to see how this develops.